Hello all,
It's been awhile actually a long while since I have posted or actually been on site catching up. My apologies to all of the new folks for not welcoming you.
I moved in January 2016 and because the area is out of the service area for my previous health care provider I signed up for a new plan and began the process to find a new primary doctor.
We have two clinics in our community. Both have big signs stating "accepting new patients". I went to each clinic and filled out the required forms (my current health issues/diagnosis and prescription lists were require).
I did all of this paperwork months ago. I got a call from one clinic two weeks ago. I was told no physician would take me because of a medication I am currently on ( I have been on it for 5 years). I asked what am I supposed to do ? The person said go out of the area to a larger city ( those are 2 to 4 hours away) and they would require a different insurance an than what I was assigned by Medicare because I would be out of my home area.
The other clinic called last week and said they were waiting on my records and then the doctors would staff my case as a group and decide. I envisioned my file being passed around like a "hot" potato.
I have been treated like I am a criminal and a drug addict since moving to area. I had to move if I want to continue living with my husband of 40 +years. His job brought him here.
It's not easy for me to get to appointments requiring long drives and honestly I don't think I should be forced out of town for a primary doctor visit.
Do you think I should complain to my insurance carrier and Medicare?
I am so exasperated that I just want to quit doctors altogether and seek a naturopath however one of my prescriptions explicitly says to not stop taking it suddenly. The pharmacist told me I will end up in the hospital with severe withdrawal symptoms.
I got put on the RX in Montana. It literally gave me my life back so I could function. My most recent doctor of 3 years never even mentioned coming off of the RX and continued prescribing it.
Frankly I am worried about the ramifications to my life and health should I stop it suddenly. I would prefer a taper off over time. I can't taper it myself as it is a weekly patch.
Ahhhh. Screaming loudly with anger.....sigh
Thanks for letting me vent. Any suggestions? I am open to them.
It's been a rough few months as I lost my dad during this waiting stretch too. He died before he ever saw a new doctor here too. All he wanted was a referral to hospice so his full time care would be paid for. I begged his old doctors for help but because we were in a different county they said they couldn't help us. I did let the "new patients" office know my father no longer needed them to find him a doctor. I am writing to the administration of both clinics to let them know too.
I am very sorry this is happening to you, it is one of many signs about how broken the healthcare system is.
Given that you are on Medicare I am suspecting you are over 65. In that case, I suggest you contact your Area Agency on Aging and seek advice about finding appropriate, and if at all possible local care.
It saddens me beyond words to read about people's struggles with the bureaucracy of healthcare and arbitrariness of doctors. And those stories are many! To me the US healthcare system seems very odd and difficult and confusing, but the Finnish one isn't perfect, either. But at least it is, in theory, more simple.
But yeah, I'm frustrated, too, and in a situation with no doctor of my "own" and my last dr visit (to get a decent pain medicine for my migraine attacks) was nothing but a joke.
But your struggles, Grammad, are just horrid. I have nothing to offer you except my sympathy. I truly hope that your situation clears and turns for the better, even though it's too late for your father already. I'm truly sorry for your loss.
-e-
I would contact Medicare first thing on Monday as well as the Area Agency on Aging and your county Health Department.
Just because some of us require medications that not ever doctor has dealt with in their regular practice does not mean we don't deserve excellent health care.
I lucked out. When I needed a new family doctor, I actually got so frustrated trying to get a suggestion of someone good that I ended up going to Angie's list and ended up with a fantastic Doctor of Internal Medicine. She was a teacher as well as a family doctor until recently and she really knows her stuff. It only took one real dud and a so-so doctor to get to her.
Good luck and I hope you get the high quality health care you deserve right away,
Tracy
Each county usually has an omsbudsman. This is person whose job it is to advocate on behalf of the patient to see that they obtain adequate medical care. I would also phone the manager of the medical clinic or their social worker and ask what the problem is. The doctors need to know that you really need a primary physician for the regular care and that specialists will be seen on occasion for other issues that come up. No primary physician can totally treat a patient like us without having the big issues addressed by specialists.
I would keep my emotions on an even keel as these docs probably have not done this in a vindictive manner. Most docs are just overwhelmed when they see a new patient with all our problems. When we see a doc for years and the issues pile up slowly it is easier for them to adjust. When we go to a new doc with a load of issues they sort of get panic stricken.
I have a good doc that I asked to care for me a couple of years ago. Since then things are adding up and she and I trouble shoot and sort of have to take one or two things at a time. I do have 5 other specialists that I see who take care of the big stuff and they communicate. Good luck. Irish
Grammad, Im sure your not the only one who is angry and frustrated, but I can understand your dilemma,
thank heavens its not like that in the UK,
I hope you get some positive help soon, as all this aggro can only help your condition to deteriate..
good luck, Dolly