[BrokenNBeautiful]

I steeled myself and called that referral line the ER gave me.

They could not find anyone to help me.

I was outraged.

But another part of me took over and banged the phone back up.

I dialed again.

I go, "Is this the main number?" (not the referral number).

The woman says, "Can I help you, ma'am?"

I go, "The ER referred me to basically a dead end. I tried to get a follow up visit somewhere and no one will accept Medicare and Medicaid!"

She goes, "I can connect you to the clinic."

I go, "Please do. I want to stay with your system. I liked the ER ppl there."

So I was on hold for 6 mins and then got an appt, but after Thanksgiving.

I am not sure what the clinic will do. But I am grasping at straws. She also told me that the ER dr's could refill my ativan before that time. I hope so!

I am so wracked.

I hope I don't go back to the fantasy. (push-pull thread).

I need comfort.

But not him.

It is so disheartening to not be able to find anyone even thru a referral number! It's not my fault I am disabled and have Medicare/Medicaid!!!!! Like I get punished for not being able to work a paying job????

I really wanted to leave that other system that had me pegged as an "untouchable". I hope I still can. But the private dr's hardly ever take gov ins.

I also went on Medicare.gov and found some drs that take assignment. I hope that list is not 5 years old.

Carol

Don't know how it is in San Diego, but here there are GP practices where some of the drs. take govt. insurance and some don't. The senior drs. don't want to fool with it, so the youngest doc who doesn't have a full patient load yet gets stuck with what they see as all the red tape. A relative of mine who is on Medicare ended up with a GP who is in that situation, and she turned out to be a real find-- up on the latest research, open-minded, ready to really listen to patients. The young gp is being mentored by a senior dr. in the practice, so it's like having two docs for the price of one. My relative had to do a lot of calling individual clinics and offices before she found someone-- younger, newer docs might not be on referral lists yet. Just a thought.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Originally Posted by Longleaf

Don't know how it is in San Diego, but here there are GP practices where some of the drs. take govt. insurance and some don't. The senior drs. don't want to fool with it, so the youngest doc who doesn't have a full patient load yet gets stuck with what they see as all the red tape. A relative of mine who is on Medicare ended up with a GP who is in that situation, and she turned out to be a real find-- up on the latest research, open-minded, ready to really listen to patients. The young gp is being mentored by a senior dr. in the practice, so it's like having two docs for the price of one. My relative had to do a lot of calling individual clinics and offices before she found someone-- younger, newer docs might not be on referral lists yet. Just a thought.

I looked up the medicare site and they have docs that take assignment, so I might find some who will take dual's (medicare/medicaid).

Maybe looking on my own is better than trusting these stupid referral lines.

thanks,

Carol

[shezbut]

I'm disabled, on M.A., and there was a bit of a break before I could get services when I moved from one county to another. It was like a 2 or 3 month break ~ which REALLY sucked!! Once I got in to the doctors in this county, I've had no problems though. Thank goodness!

Hopefully, a good T will be able to fit you into their schedule soon. (((hugs)))

[bpd2]

Keep posting here while you're looking. PsychCentral has saved me many a time and kept me going while I waited to turn the corner in getting the care I need. It's so good that you are being resourceful and thinking of ways to get the help you need!

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Originally Posted by shezbut

I'm disabled, on M.A., and there was a bit of a break before I could get services when I moved from one county to another. It was like a 2 or 3 month break ~ which REALLY sucked!! Once I got in to the doctors in this county, I've had no problems though. Thank goodness!

Hopefully, a good T will be able to fit you into their schedule soon. (((hugs)))

I probably won't get a t since Medi-Cal doesn't cover it now, but at least a pdoc. Maybe... I need at least a freakin primary care doc.

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Originally Posted by bpd2

Keep posting here while you're looking. PsychCentral has saved me many a time and kept me going while I waited to turn the corner in getting the care I need. It's so good that you are being resourceful and thinking of ways to get the help you need!

Thanks.

I am glad some ppl are replying to me here at this forum.

I posted at a couple of others and did not even get answers. I've been posting mostly at this board.

Carol

Just so you know, B&B, I read pretty much all of your posts, I don't always respond because like this one, I don't have anything to add, since I have not been in your situation with insurance and referrals. If I gave advice, it'd all be hot air and you don't need that -- you got plenty of referral services to give you that!

I am sorry you're dealing with all the bs though. *hugs*

[BrokenNBeautiful]

Originally Posted by BrokenNBeautiful

I steeled myself and called that referral line the ER gave me.

They could not find anyone to help me.

I was outraged.

But another part of me took over and banged the phone back up.

I dialed again.

I go, "Is this the main number?" (not the referral number).

The woman says, "Can I help you, ma'am?"

I go, "The ER referred me to basically a dead end. I tried to get a follow up visit somewhere and no one will accept Medicare and Medicaid!"

She goes, "I can connect you to the clinic."

I go, "Please do. I want to stay with your system. I liked the ER ppl there."

So I was on hold for 6 mins and then got an appt, but after Thanksgiving.

I am not sure what the clinic will do. But I am grasping at straws. She also told me that the ER dr's could refill my ativan before that time. I hope so!

Carol

Okay, I went to the clinic today and spent 2 1/2 hours there, telling doctors and the nurse what was going on.

They called a number that I had already tried---the crisis number---who had not helped me at all find a pdoc or an MD.

Well, I got some clonopin ( anti-anxiety med) for the month but have to wait 2 whole months to see a pdoc (hard to get in) Jan 21! Since so few drs' take Medi Medi (dual eligibles) the ones that still do are BOOKED!

I also got my blood drawn and some urinalysis. Probably will get a Pap smear around Dec 17 during my followup primary visit. They said they'd do it. Have not had a female exam since 2003; they better! I hate female exams but I need one. Scared cause my per's are irregular.

So I am getting stuff done.

Very very nerve wracking.

I almost back-slid to self-destruction but not quite.

I am going to call one more pdoc tomorrow and see if I can get in there sooner than Jan!

I also booked a massage at a different holistic center. I was m*lested at my holistic center last Wed. by a MT.

thanks,

Carol