[BlueInanna]

Trying to find a new psychiatrist for my son, 16, dx bipolar. The last one was out of state through his boarding school.

Just spoke to a psychiatrist who told me he won't take my son because he's been hospitalized before.

Has anyone else come across something like this? Is it that unusual for someone to need a psychiatrist and has been hospitalized?

[dragonfly2]

That is one of the strangest things I've heard in a long time. I would question whether or not this doctor has had any malpractice issues and isn't comfortable taking patients who might be a bit more of a potential risk. I don't know of many bipolars who haven't been hospitalized, or at least shouldn't have been at some point.

Just as a curiosity, it might be interesting to check the doctor's record on the state medical licensure website to see if he's had any adverse actions taken against him. Whatever the case, I would run as fast as you can to the next phone number on your list and avoid this guy like the plague.

[33yankee33]

Hi BlueInanna. That sounds like a pdoc you wouln't want your son seeing anyway. And, no, I don't think that is the norm. Sounds like the guy is just a jerk. When I was shopping for a pdoc none of the ones I talked to were at all put off by my three hospitalizations. Good luck with your search.

[bluemountains]

What? The pdoc sounds like one who doesn't want to work very hard for his money. He might have to spend more that the standard 10 minutes that our pdocs spend on me and my children.
Bluemountains

[Moreta]

I had this issue when trying to find a new pdoc in 2010. The one I called at first didn't want to see me b/c I had just been hospitalized and I was high risk of being hospitalized again. What a jerk.

I did end up finding my pdoc now, and he has been awesome. So there is some hope.

[catrules]

That would be like an oncologist not taking on a patient who has cancer. Does not make any sense to me.

[BlueInanna]

Thank you! I think it's absurd!!! The guy was a jerk, asked me about my son's hospitalizations and then said, "i'm going to have to decline because i dont take people who've been hospitalized."

And I felt hurt, it's so personal and none of his business if he knows he won't take us.

I took your advice and check out more about him, not well rated, bad bedside manner, lacks personality and compassion, writes scripts and doesn't explain. I can't figure out how to check his history as far as malpractice - but i think it's likely.

Sadly this is about the 15th doc who's turned us down, they're not taking new patients, they don't take children, they don't take my insurance. My doc won't take him cuz she already sees me and my daughter and feels it's conflict of interest

Oh well something's gotta give! Some good dr will help us. The one i really want will post in the morning on his website if he has a new opening, fingers crossed

[bluemountains]

In rereading the posts, I am thinking that maybe the pdocs who don't want to deal with the hospitalization may not have affiliations with any of the hospitals. Maybe you should call agency/company that runs the hospitals to get recommendations. Also, if you are near a medical school, you may try to get information there.
Where I live we have two medical colleges that are affiliated with hospital systems, and both have websites with lots of doctor information.

Bluemountains

[AniManiac]

I once talked to a pdoc who wouldn't take me unless I had an official dx and referral (not required by insurance). But I was calling to get a dx. That was a head-scratcher to me.

[dragonfly2]

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

I took your advice and check out more about him, not well rated, bad bedside manner, lacks personality and compassion, writes scripts and doesn't explain. I can't figure out how to check his history as far as malpractice - but i think it's likely.

Here's a link for you. This is for California doctors only. Each state will have its own website. I try to look up any new doctor we check out.

http://www.mbc.ca.gov/lookup.html

[porcupine2]

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

Oh well something's gotta give! Some good dr will help us. The one i really want will post in the morning on his website if he has a new opening, fingers crossed

Good luck to you! I had a hard time finding the right pdoc but I found the NAMI website very helpful. They have doctors listed by state and hints on how to find the right fit. This is an AWESOME organization.

[BlueInanna]

Originally Posted by dragonfly2

Here's a link for you. This is for California doctors only. Each state will have its own website. I try to look up any new doctor we check out.

http://www.mbc.ca.gov/lookup.html

Wow - thank you Dragonfly - I searched this site and found the guy - he admitted to sexual misconduct in 1998! His license was suspended, he was ordered to have psychiatric evaluations and psychotherapy. Court ordered that he may not do more physical contact with patients than a quick handshake. He was ordered to not do therapy with any female patients or heterosexual couples. Holy cow! No wonder he wanted me to talk about personal stuff and then shoot me down. What a creep! And thank God my son won't be seeing this guy, phew!

The other doc i really like, and have been trying to get in with, does have a new appt available on his website, and i left a message. Keeping fingers crossed some more. Thanks guys

[Forgive77]

Holy Moly!!!!!!

[dragonfly2]

Originally Posted by BlueInanna

Wow - thank you Dragonfly - I searched this site and found the guy - he admitted to sexual misconduct in 1998! His license was suspended, he was ordered to have psychiatric evaluations and psychotherapy. Court ordered that he may not do more physical contact with patients than a quick handshake. He was ordered to not do therapy with any female patients or heterosexual couples. Holy cow! No wonder he wanted me to talk about personal stuff and then shoot me down. What a creep! And thank God my son won't be seeing this guy, phew!

The other doc i really like, and have been trying to get in with, does have a new appt available on his website, and i left a message. Keeping fingers crossed some more. Thanks guys

Yikes! I'm glad you were able to find the information on him. Have you found any information on the doctor you're hoping to get in to see? I hope that one works out for you. These things happen for a reason. Good luck!

[BlueInanna]

thanks for asking. we didnt get the appointment that was opened with the doc i want, they say try back next Friday, ughh

it is such a frustrating process, but im not giving up. i'll start over on Monday, maybe a doctor who was full before will have space now...