Don't We Pay Dr's!!!

So here I am unhappy that can just do a quick fix but happy on the other hand that I will see a PM doctor to help with the pain so I can still work and enjoy my family.

Heres what happened.  My PCP said she would take care of the faxes and getting me the appointment with the PM.  She gave me a 10 day supply of Lortab 10's.  So here we have the first $20 copay for the visit and $15 copay for medication.

7 days later no appointment office staff still hadnt gotten to my name.  9 days same thing so I made an appointment for a refill plus the pain is getting bad at this time.  Blockages are occuring.  Day 10 doctor looked at me and asked why are you back?  I told her she brought in her office manager and stated this has to be done.  PM referrals get done FIRST!!  Office manager apologized and said she would call me at end of business day with appointment time.  Of course you all have guessed no call!!! Doctor gave me 5 days of Lortabs and 10 mg Toradol.  Ok heres the second $20 copay plus $15 again.

Today is the day 5....  Its 8:30 in the morning no appointment and will be out of medication tonight.  I'm close to tears.  With the economy the way it is we have been hit hard.  We are raising 3 teenagers and they cost money.  I have sacrificed things to make sure they don't feel to much of issues.  We are both still working but our hours have been cut back.  Thank god we still have medical insurance.

I have to go to the doctors office when it opens in 30 minutes.  My husband is saying make them write you a scrip and not charge the $20.00.  My office will not call in medications or write scripts unless you are seen.  (Abusers have screwed the system up for us who need the medication)  But then I'll still be out $15 on script.

Then if they do get me an appointment then I will have to pay another $20 and $15 or more on scripts...  I had a pain doctor but he didn't take my insurance.  Heck by now I could of paid for him and be somewhat comfortable!!!!! This appointment will make number 3 in two weeks with 3 scripts!!!!!

My question is " Who do the doctors offices work for?  Us or the insurance company?  I pay for my insurance.  I'm just so upset I can't think straight.

LLPLUV Do you have copies of the the packet and of the 3 referrals? If not, why not ask for copies, and also ask for copies of the the Doctors notes for each one of your visits. You know, you are entitled to them, they are part of your records. And by law I think they have to give you copies if your request them, but they may want to charge you for making  the copies! So you might want to check on that! Anyway calmly talk to your Doctor about this situation, and explain that you can not aford to keep coming back and having to pay the co-pays each time. You might want to  ask who (the Pain Specialist ) she is referring you to, and ask if you can call and make the appointment and or go there with copies of your referrals. In other words do the job of that office manager in your Doctors office who isn't  doing it! Well of course if that doesn't work,.... well ....you could always see an attorney for advice. These are all just suggestions  I have based on my own personal opinions, I just try to think of things that I would do, but obviously you need to do something, don't your? Because, from what you say the office manager sure isn't doing the job. So be creative and think of ways that could help you fix the situation, and then present them to your Doctor. I know you shouldn't have to do that, but sometimes you just have to get involved and be proactive, I mean after all it is your  health you are talking about here! I jus And in the end we are all  responsible for our own health, Aren't we?

Good Luck to You LLPLUV

White Beard

LLPLUV

I didn't mean to come off like I thought  you weren't being proactive in your care. I didn't think that at all. And it upsets me to think that you should have to do the job that you are paying someone else to do! But to a great extend that is the way it is, and that is wrong! But there is allot of truth in the saying if you want something done and want it done right, then you have to do it yourself! And from your post you kow that all to well!

I do wish you only the best LLPLUV, It looks to me like you are doing way way to much now! With your condition and the pain that goes with it, why should you be the one carrying all that load? It seems to me I have asked you a question similar in content, in another post! Are you the only one keeps things together and makes things work?

Please make sure you look out for yourself, because from the sounds of it, if you don't, Who will????

Take Care LLPLUV

White Beard

In the beginning of this the referral should of been done a few days after she wrote me to script for 10 days worth.  Now she says her hands are tied she can't write another one or else it will be under their clause of treating pain control which they refuse to do.

So know my PCP says she understands the pain but I have to wait for the PM appointment which hasn't even been evaluated yet.  She says they will take me on as a patient but I have to wait for the call.

Now I will be out of medication tomorrow.  She said she can write me a script for Inset something like that I have no clue what the heck that it.  And that is when I can afford to see her another $20 copay which I can't do until Friday........

Now I'm at a loss wondering what condition I will be in on Thursday at work.  If I can make it to work.

I have never had to worry to much now I have no clue on how to find someone to help until this PM appointment.