psychiatry and medicare

I'm new to Healingwell so I don't know if this issue has been discussed.  I had seen a psychiatrist several years ago and was on an antidepressant.  I was seeing him every couple of months after I felt fine and I decided to simply have my family doctor continue with the prescription.  The psychiatrist then sent me a letter asking if it was OK if he "closed my file."  I thought, sure why not.  That was before I turned 65.  Now that I'm 66 and depressed again and on Medicare I called to see him again.  No dice.  He refused to "open my file" because like so many other psychiatrists he does not accept Medicare patients.  In fact, as far as I can determine, there is not one private psychiatrist in my city who does.  Our growing senior population is in for a shock should this trend continue.  Oh, by the way, I was able to get an appointment with a psychiatrist at the University--for July!!

Have you thought about talking to your representitive about it? I am glad that you were able to get an apointment. I am new here as well so I dont know if this topic has been discussed or not. I hope that you have better luck in the future.
~Maggie

Oldbookman,

so sorry for your shock, but with the new changes in medicare many doctors not just Pysch are dumping medicare.

As for Michaels' question, yes, you could pay cash if the doctor wished to reopen your file and file your own claim. Forms are downloadable on the internet. However be aware that the reimbursement is VERY slow.

Maggies idea of calling your state representative is a good one, however, they are they people who put you in this mess in the first place!.

So sorry!
Peace
Trina