So, if you read my recent thread, you already know that I have questions about some recent med changes (my pdoc is titrating me up to 800 MG of Lamictal) and some issues with my doctor. In fact, some of you don't like my pdoc and you don't know him, ha! Instead of leaving my pdoc entirely, I intend to get a second opinion. The problem is, few decent pdocs accept my insurance. I looked online and it is full of nurse practitioners, which I prefer not to see, pdocs with bad reviews, and pdocs listed on my insurance that I called and they actually don't accept my insurance. Yay. The only decent pdocs appear to be the one at the local hospital. However, I called and the voice message warned that there is a very long wait to see a pdoc. I am waiting for a call back from the office to find out how long that is. Meanwhile, I found a pdoc that charges $250 for the initial appointment and only $80 for regular visits which is very reasonable. Now, my best friend advised me to go ahead and see a nurse practitioner since it is a second opinion and since there are so many on my insurance. Then, if I decide to leave my pdoc, I can go to the other pdoc (the one who charges $80 per visit). My mom was leery. It was her who suggested I look around for pdocs but then she said she wouldn't be so eager to throw my pdoc under the bus because he has been a great pdoc for such a long time for me. My husband thinks I am being ridiculous by not trusting him and looking around. Anyway, I will need to be seen soon because I am already taking 600 MG of Lamictal and that will be increased to 800 MG soon. If the wait for a pdoc at the hospital is too long, can I trust a visit with a nurse practitioner? Or, should I go ahead and pay the $225 to see the new pdoc? My main concern is if I don't like her or decide to stay with my current pdoc, I will be out the money but I don't know how trustworthy a nurse practitioner's opinion will be.