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#1
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I have tried several different anti-depressants and finally my GP said "go see a psychiatrist". I called various places and finally was directed to my local hospital for which my insurance covers. They have a psych dept there. The people at the psych dept told me that i had to have a referral from my GP to be seen by a psych there. I get a call from nurse at GP office this morning and told me that the psych dept won't accept the referral because the GP isn't a providence doctor or something. i am so frustrated! Does anyone have any support? I need help and the system isn't working.
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#2
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First call your insurance company and find out the process for seeing a psychiatrist.
Armed with the correct information, you can go from there. Sometimes doctor's offices insurance rules information is incorrect, so best to go straight to the source first. They can help you so you know just what you need to do next. Ask your insurance company: Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist? Can my GP-- Dr. X, refer me to the psychiatrist-- Dr. Y? If not, how do I get approval to see Dr. Y? ![]() |
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#3
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I'm sorry you're having problems with your insurance. Sounds like you have an HMO which is not the best insurance option to have when trying to get access to mental health providers and services. That said, is your GP part of the HMO network or are you paying out of pocket to see the GP? If GP is not covered by your HMO, then make an appointment with one that is and have your GP call the new doctor to relay the urgency of your situation.
Another reason the Psych Dept might have rejected the refferral is that some psych Depts at teaching hospitals only accept paitents who have been admitted as inpatient which most likely required the referral of a doc practicing at that hospital, either in emergency or critical care. I'm not saying you should take that route, but that would be a fast track to being "approved" by the psych department. Alternatively, you could look at your community mental health options; is there a reduced cost clinic in your area? Or one dedicated solely to mental health? They ususally have a psychiatrist or two there and will take walk ins but you might have to wait a while. Appointments usually are booked for three months or more but they have a lot of cancellations or no shows, hence why walking in might be faster. Good luck! |
#4
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Is that the only hospital in the area with a psych department? Do they have a sliding fee scale for those without any/the "right" insurance? I went to a hospital psych department once for therapy but it was way back in the early 1970's and in a different universe
![]() I'd try what Echoes says, and start with your insurance and find out what they want and if they have any psychiatrist lists for your area, etc.
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