Is Medi-Cal hindering my ability to make an appointment?

gypped · Feb 25, 2020 at 05:21 AM

My health insurance (Kaiser) makes it nearly impossible for me to get an appointment with a psychiatrist.

When I call the appointment line, I literally get put on hold for hours, and I eventually hang up. If I actually talk to a live human being, they tell me the next opening is in three months, and I usually forget about it by that time.

I have so many issues, and I don't think I can properly be evaluated by someone who only sees me twice a year. I think I keep getting misdiagnosed, and I don't know what else to do!

Does anyone else have a hard time getting in to see a psychiatrist?
If you call for an appointment, how far in the future is the appointment?!

I have Medi-Cal (government-sponsored health insurance) because I am very poor, and I wonder if those of you who have employer-sponsored or other private health insurance have the same problem.

SlumberKitty · Feb 25, 2020 at 01:16 PM

I don't have Medi-Cal so I cannot speak to that, however, I am wondering if either Kaiser or Medi-Cal has a patient advocate, or a care coordinator? Call the number on the back of your insurance card and find out if your insurance has one. Sometimes they can help speed things along. Best of Luck, Kit

bpcyclist · Feb 25, 2020 at 01:21 PM

^^^^^^^ This is a brilliant idea!! They have to have some sort of patient advocate/ombudsman. Find out who that is and get them involved.

Kaiser had a reputation for this kind of thing in my town a couple of decades ago. I did not know it was still a problem. Thought they had solved all that. So sorry you are dealing with this.

That said, please do make an appt., regardless of how far out it is, so you are at least on the books.

Nammu · Feb 25, 2020 at 03:18 PM

Profs are rare birds it's hard getting an appointment with them. Three months is about average. When you see him/ her tell them you want a though diganois. Many Ts have training in diganoiseess and you could look for one of them tho they're usually booked up too. The first appointment is usually far off. They block times for new patients and take more time with that first appointment to gather info. Be persistent and write down reminders to remember the appointment and go.

sophiebunny · Feb 26, 2020 at 11:35 PM

I write about the psychiatrist-patient relationship extensively. What you are experiencing is going to become more and more common in mental health treatment. There is a serious shortage of psychiatrists. The average age of a psychiatrist is in the 50s. Medical students aren't attracted to psychiatry because its emotionally demanding and has relatively low pay as physicians go. In-patient psychiatrists are hardest hit. They work with the most ill and sometimes most dangerous patients. Dermatologists are not bitten, spat on or physically assaulted by their patients. Psychiatrists are. Who wants that when you can work low stress 9-5 and be paid way more money. No one calls their dermatologist at 2 AM threatening to harm themselves or others.

The increased wait times and the lack of choice for seeing a psychiatrist is going to be a reality for most patients in a decade. I really don't think most patients appreciate the coming problem.

Menu

My Support Forums - Mental Health Support Groups

Get emotional support and friendship from others like you!

Our community offers: No spam. No trolls. No social media connections.

Is Medi-Cal hindering my ability to make an appointment?

My Support Forums

SlumberKitty Legendary Wise Elder Member Since Jul 2018 Location: CA Posts: 27,329 (SuperPoster!) 6 117.7k hugs given	Feb 25, 2020 at 01:16 PM #2 I don't have Medi-Cal so I cannot speak to that, however, I am wondering if either Kaiser or Medi-Cal has a patient advocate, or a care coordinator? Call the number on the back of your insurance card and find out if your insurance has one. Sometimes they can help speed things along. Best of Luck, Kit __________________ Dum Spiro Spero IC XC NIKA
	Reply With Quote