A week ago I had a health issue, one that's been ongoing but sporadic. I called the call center, explained the problem and asked if it would be prudent to see a specialist. No, just see an internal medicine doctor. I made an appointment for yesterday--the next available one. I went in, described the problem, which by now was no longer a problem. I was told I need to see a specialist. Right--what a great idea. AND see the specialist when I am having the problem. Right--brilliant! Very helpful! So far I'm nowhere and I've paid someone $20 to tell me these things.
Well, the problem came back this morning. So, I quickly called after preschool to make my appointment with the specialist. The next available appointment? Next week. I explain the history and what I would like to happen--to be seen today or tomorrow so that testing can be done and answers can be found.
Here is the solution I am told (after talking to several people who didn't know what to do with me): Call to make an appointment with the internal medicine doctor (who is on the south end of town and referred me to the specialist yesterday). She will take a picture of the problem and send it to the specialist. Then the specialist will look at the picture and determine if she wants to see me and then I will get a call to make another appointment for the specialist (on the north end of town).
Seriously!!!
Let's just hope I never have to use Obama's plan because I would end up frequenting the psych ward every time I needed anything medical!!!
Needless to say, in my frame of I'm-not-feeling-very-well mind, the poor nurse who relayed this crazy plan had to listen to my response. I don't think it needs to be scripted here, but wowie, wow, wow! Don't worry, I didn't use any expletives, but I'm sure my tone sure did.
Ten seconds after I hung up with the nurse (saying something like "I'm not playing your ridiculous game!") I got a call from the specialist's office saying she could see me in an hour. Huh? I frantically made phone calls to friends who knew a bit of the situation--Please watch my kids. (What would we do without friends???) The doctor did some tests and the results will be back sometime in my lifetime. I think the results will be: She has lost her mind, and there is nothing we can do for her! But maybe they can take pictures of me in a padded room and send them around to all of you!
4 comments:
What a pain!! I hate having to deal with doctor's offices about anything, so I totally relate to this experience!
Ouch. We had a similar plan in NOLA and I would get so mad at the specialist's office who kept saying I needed a referral from my pcp when that was who sent me to them. And so many times I have had questions about charges and after spending 30 minutes on hold with the insurance company I have just given up and paid the money. Grrrr.
Hope you are feeling better. Emotionally and physically.
That is so funny (in a sympathetic way, of course). I seriously will go crazy if my health care turns into that!
Yes.. sounds just like our government funded health care we get to partake of :) LOVE IT! I miss you... Sorry we missed each other's phone calls this week.
On one note though... couldn't YOU have taken the pictures and taken them with you? Did the doctor have to see you in order to take pictures?? Regardless, Glad you got in, glad you had friends to take the kids on short notice. I'd love to talk to you sometime this week/weekend. Love ya!
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