[deliquesce]

in australia you're allowed to get up to 12 sessions under medicare with a therapist subsidised. the process is that you get a referral for 6 sessions, go back for a review, and get your next 6 sessions.

austin-t suggested a GP to go to but when i rang for the review appointment that doc had left the practice. the medical centre is only 2 streets away, and austin-t has his private practice located there, so i asked him if there was a different GP he would recommend (i'm scared of health professionals at the best of times, so i don't go unless i can have someone swearing black & blue about how good they are).

austin-t told me there was a new guy who was so good that austin-t had decided to make him his family GP. he did say he was the same cultural background as me, which made me feel pretty reluctant to see the GP, but i don't like that i have stereotypes regarding race like that so i decided to go to this GP.



the GP couldn't give me the referral based on some minimum period requirement, which is ok and i understand that. but then he sat with me for 15mins telling me how i should get married and have kids, and that if i didnt have a boyfriend now i should go back to where my parents came from to find someone and etc. he then told me i should start watching tv shows in that language because otherwise when i have children my children won't be able to connect with their grandparents (my parents). i was a bit like this is my nightmare coming true. and im no good at being assertive when i feel like ive been trapped in a box, but i did try to say that i wasnt interested in that sort of thing right now (and not in the manner he was suggesting it) but he kept going on about how it is important and stuff. and then when he saw he wasn't going to get me to agree he suggested bringing my mum next time so at least she knew that she had his support.

it was gross . i left and felt like crying. i hate that when people see me that all they see is the colour of my skin, and that because of that they box me into this ideal of what they think i should be. i cant ever escape that and it makes me sad that that's how people see & therrby interact with/avoid me. i just feel really crap about it, and i also feel crap about myself for wanting to avoid people from the same cultural heritage based on my assumptions about 'them' being all alike. i guess i cant blame anynoe else for only seeing my skin colour when i cant go beyond it myself.

and i know this is something i should talk about with austin-t (race is a big issue for me) but i dont want to say anything bad about this GP to him, especially because they work together as colleagues and austin-t uses him as his GP too. and the other problem is that i still dont have my referral, and i dont have the $ to pay full fee either. so im feeling kind of upset and anxious and desperate and screwed.

[sw628]

(Deli))))))
I'm so sorry you had to go through this today. I know ALL TO WELL what you are going through as I am a person of color my self. It just makes me want to hide in a box or become transparent. Every time I walk into a store I immediately feel judged and like I have this big red sign on my back. Race is also a very touchy subject for me as well and I haven't really discussed this in depth with my current T because I don't feel ready to go there yet. I AM SO SICK of being identified of "judged" based on the color of my skin and I am sorry you were not able to get the help that you desperately need because of this. You have every right to be sad and upset. Living int he states, I'm not too aware of race relations in Australia, so I am happy that you were able to shed some light on the issue for us here at PC. Is there a way that you can talk about his with Austin-T? You don't have to bash GP, but just let him know that some things were said( not in relation to your treatment) that made you very uncomfortable. This may not be the best advice, but I hope it helps

[googley]

(((((((Deli))))))))

I'm so sorry that happened. That is awful. I know when I moved after college I was scared that people were going to tell me that I should return to live with my parents. (was not going to happen.) I'm so sorry this GP did not support your independence and all you have done to take care of yourself. He does not know your complete history (no one could give their complete history in 15 minutes) and so has no right (and still would not even if he did) to tell you what you should be doing with your life. You have made so many hard decisions recently and deserve to be supported in those. If you have any other choice of people to go to (get another referral from Austin-T or one from Pdoc) I would not go back to this guy.

I know you said that you would feel uncomfortable talking with Austin-T about this GP, but I think you should. I think you should also tell him that it is hard for you to bring it up because you know he has a personal connection to the GP. I believe that in telling you that, while trying to ease your worries, overstepped his professional boundaries. I think it would be good for him to know your experience with this doctor. I remember once that you got a bad referral from Pdoc and went back and told him. After that I'm sure he limited who he referred to that T after your bad experience. I would hope that Austin-T would not take it personally that you did not like the referral. I think he would take it as a learning experience.

Now, If I could jump on a plane and fly down, I would totally yell at this GP for you. (Well I'd give you a chance, and then I would do some yelling too.) This experience made me so angry for you.

Please take care of yourself. You deserve to have yourself stood up for!

[sunrise]

That appointment sounds awful, deli, and the doc sounds horrid. It is so hard to know how to deal with people when they act like that. On the one hand he has a position of authority--a physician--and on the other hand, he is a total jerk!

Originally Posted by deliquesce

i know this is something i should talk about with austin-t (race is a big issue for me) but i dont want to say anything bad about this GP to him

Deli, you don't need to say anything "bad", just tell what happened. Let austin-T decide if what happened was bad or not. I think austin-T should be told so he can think whether he should refer other clients to this guy. Austin-T can handle hearing how things went with you and this doc, Deli. You don't need to watch out for him.

Maybe pdoc can give you a referral to a GP he knows is good.

[ahc82]

Whats the minimum period for?

I've been to a lot of different doctors to get my care plans written out - my T has to write back to a different GP nearly every time. I just go in to a Dr wherever I happen to be that day.


For what its worth - Im an Australian and I dont judge people in any way based on the colour of their skin.

The gp was inappropriate and it would be good if you told your T that - so maybe he wont send anyone else there.

[possum220]

Deli - That was a very bad appointment. The GP is a jerk and I agree with Googley that you should report it back to your T. Maybe he will think twice about referring other clients to him.

The GP's comments were racist, stereotypical and totally useless. The fact that he said you should bring your mother is also insulting and breaches the doctor/patient confidentiality agreement. GRRR. He sounds useless.

Please find another GP. One that doesn't put you in a box and can do what you ask. You are the GP's employer.

Hope you can find a GP that can give you the care you deserve.

ahc82 - I'm not sure how long the waiting period is for but it would be beneficial for you to stick with the same GP. If you can explain that to your GP they may tell you the hours that they are available. It will also help to get to know a GP so that your standard of care can be consistent.

[deliquesce]

Originally Posted by sw628

(Deli))))))
I'm so sorry you had to go through this today. I know ALL TO WELL what you are going through as I am a person of color my self. It just makes me want to hide in a box or become transparent.

(((sw628))) i'm sorry this experience is so pervasive for you. but gosh, i feel relieved that someone understands. Australia is meant to be very good as far as multiculturalism goes - certainly we hate the accusation of being labelled 'racist'. but i do think it's a lot more pervasive than the majority would like to admit - not necessarily in terms of being denied services/job offers etc - but in terms of character judgements, this weird notion that australia is "our" (=white anglo-saxon) country and that we don't have enough room or resources to support more migrants (LOL!!! absolute rubbish; we're one of the least populated countries on earth in terms of density and resources). it makes me hesitant to raise this stuff (the larger race issue) with pdoc/austin-t, for fear i'll just be labelled paranoid or out-of-touch or having a chip on my shoulder or something. and also because it's totally not politically correct to admit to avoiding certain ethnic groups myself (primarily my own).
i know race relations in the States aren't good, but certainly they are better than they have previously been. i think in australia it's very much a case of hush-hush at times - unlike in the States where the world knows, in Australia it's almost a case of don't look, don't tell. i shouildn't moan too much - my family migrated here - and therefore we were afforded better opportunities than the Indigenous population. i think Aboriginal Australians have to face a more systemic prejudice than the sort of by-the-by stuff i do.

Originally Posted by googley

I'm so sorry this GP did not support your independence and all you have done to take care of yourself.

i don't think it even occurred to this Dr that i wouldn't be living with my parents, i think that's how culturally entrenched he was. it's ok though, because i've had other Drs who are aghast that i was still living with them once i hit 18. one of the difficulties in trying to move out was that neither pdoc nor austin-t really got how taboo it is for me to be leaving home. so i can forgive ignorance and assumptions but it's painful to be lectured to.

I know you said that you would feel uncomfortable talking with Austin-T about this GP, but I think you should. I think you should also tell him that it is hard for you to bring it up because you know he has a personal connection to the GP. I believe that in telling you that, while trying to ease your worries, overstepped his professional boundaries. I think it would be good for him to know your experience with this doctor.

you could be right. i think austin-t often oversteps professional boundaries (i'm not sure if it's just with me or not) but he does mean it in a good way. i asked him for a recommendation specifically because the previous GP i had been to gave me a lecture on public spending and refused to write a referral. at the time austin-t wanted to knoww who it was because he said that way he would know not to refer to that person. i guess if i told austin-t about this GP he would know not to refer certain clients there also.

Now, If I could jump on a plane and fly down, I would totally yell at this GP for you. (Well I'd give you a chance, and then I would do some yelling too.) This experience made me so angry for you.

Please take care of yourself. You deserve to have yourself stood up for!

googley being assertive on my behalf!!! that means a million, thank you .

Originally Posted by sunrise

That appointment sounds awful, deli, and the doc sounds horrid. It is so hard to know how to deal with people when they act like that. On the one hand he has a position of authority--a physician--and on the other hand, he is a total jerk!

yes. i'm wondering how i could have handled it differently, or if most ppl would have sat there in mute shock also. i do think the GP was really trying to give (what he thought was) sound advice, so i didnt want to hurt him by telling him to keep his opinions to himself.

Originally Posted by ahc82

Whats the minimum period for?

your 6 sessions have to be spread over a minimum of 3 months before you can get the new lot. i see austin-t more often than fortnightly, so i needed the referral quicker, but i understand why that rule is in place.

edit: thanks possum for your reply. i've been GP hunting for a long time now; it makes me think there is something wrong with me that i cant find one who will take me seriously.

[darkrunner]

He sounds like an incompetent jerk.
I don't understand - isn't GP = General Practitioner? Like a medical doctor? Maybe I'm completly wrong, but why was he commenting at all on your life situation and living arrangements, and grandchildren?

It is truly sad and frustrating when we go to see 'professionals' and they end up being totally ignorant, clueless and just plain stupid.
(((((((Deli)))))))
Trust me, it does not reflect on you, OR Austin-T that this person was a first-class jerk.
I'm with Googley - I'll join in the demonstration.

We can picket his office until he resigns and admits what a moron he is.
How DARE he pick on our friend Deli.


Try not to let this get you down, ok?

((((((((((((deli)))))))))))))))
(((((((((((sw628)))))))))))))))

[sittingatwatersedge]

YIKES DELI ( and SW) this is incredible!!!! Count me in on the demonstration for sure!!!!

Say, the fact that this GP has taken the (odd) stance he has doesn't mean that the reason you went to see him is sunk now, does it? Can you not go to a different doc & get the ppwk done?
Sheesh what next.

[WePow]

(((((((( Deli )))))))))))) O M G !!!!!!! W T F ?
That idiot has some nerve to have said that!!!!!!
That is just cruel and beyond understanding!
You are YOU. You are not what that idiot thinks you need to become. Having a spouse and family is not the answer! In fact, a person is much better off first working on who they are and learning to be healthy. After that, they will be ready to have a healthy relationship and such - if they want that. But there is no law that says everyone HAS to be coupled off that way. UUUURRRRRR !!!!!!!!!!!!

Very big hugs to you!!!!

[Champagne]

What great support guys.:
Deli.... I think I would have gone with your first gut feeling,"made me feel reluctant" after the comment of "the same cultural background." And left the place And think about the gut feeling. Why was this "new kid" doc on the block so good? And WHY did Austin-T make the "same cultural" comment to you? A-T must have known you well enough to REALLY NOT TO HAVE MADE THAT CULTURAL ATTACHMENT for you? Maybe A-T had made that cultural connection for the "new kid" doc on the block to "connect" with you. Der, a bit dumb on A-Ts part.

You did not want a "cultural connection" YOU NEEDED A GOOD, COMPASSIONATE AND UNDERSTANDING LISTENER. Sounds like the "new kid" doc on the block loves his own voice too much. Possibly he had too much nerves and was trying too too hard.

I agree make a complaint. The "new kid" doc needs to learn proper patient and doc protocol, professional conduct and LEARN TO LISTEN.

[deliquesce]

Originally Posted by darkrunner

I don't understand - isn't GP = General Practitioner? Like a medical doctor? Maybe I'm completly wrong, but why was he commenting at all on your life situation and living arrangements, and grandchildren?

thanks sweetie . the thing is, i think he really did think he was doing me a favour - in a concerned uncle-ish sort of way. i have a large extended family and this is exactly the sort of thing they would say, so it wasn't the content itself that was mind boggling (though to this certain deli it isn't the sort of thing she would aim for) but the fact that a complete stranger took that intimate liberty with me based on the colour of my skin. i really, really do believe he was trying to be good, however, and it made me not want to say anything too strong against him. if pdoc, for example, took the same 'advice-giving' tone with me then i would probably welcome it.
i've reach that point now where i feel silly about this? am i making a big deal over nothing? and then it hits me again that this guy was a medical practitioner, who i had never met before, and that i (stupidly?) expected a level of professionalism from him befitting the title of GP. gosh, it just makes me sad though - for him and me. i dont know if i just triggered some weird transference thing in him though - he kept telling me about other people my age who he knew who looked like me and asking whether i knew them. at one point he stopped and laughed and said it was hard to believe he wasn't talking to this other girl because we looked so similar/had the same mannerisms. so i am kind of telling myself that maybe i got him on some weird sentimental day, or that i triggered something for him.
unfortunately i guess his stuff fed into my stuff and triggered me also. it's taken so much to forge my own path away from what's expected of me, and it did feel like all of that was crashing around me when i was sitting in his room - here was a complete stranger expecting the same things of me as my parents/uncles/aunties/concerned elders. it feels like no matter what i do people will still want to box me in a way they think is right. it was demoralising.

Originally Posted by sittingatwatersedge

Say, the fact that this GP has taken the (odd) stance he has doesn't mean that the reason you went to see him is sunk now, does it? Can you not go to a different doc & get the ppwk done?

thanks poppet. the paperwork thingy - he explained i need to wait 3 months between reviews, and what he said was legit. so yeah, i can go to a different doctor and get the paperwork done but i'll have to wait until june. the only problem is that i dont want to go back to that centre and the other doc will want the original referral, so im not sure how to get it. i might ask austin-t for it. or bully pdoc into being a bloody doctor and write the referral for me.

Originally Posted by WePow

In fact, a person is much better off first working on who they are and learning to be healthy. After that, they will be ready to have a healthy relationship and such - if they want that. But there is no law that says everyone HAS to be coupled off that way.

thanks ((((wepow)))). he already knew i was studying psych, and then he when he asked me why i was there and i said i needed a referral to austin-t he asked me why, and i said depression. and he made some stupid joke about how i was studying psychology and should be able to fix myself. it upset me a bit, but i dont think it was meant to be malicious - i get enough stupid psych jokes that it kind of flew under the radar. but in the context of the rest of the session i'm just like, ugh - just another thing he did wrong. it feels weird that he could have stuffed up so massively.

Originally Posted by Champagne

What great support guys.:
Deli.... I think I would have gone with your first gut feeling,"made me feel reluctant" after the comment of "the same cultural background." And left the place And think about the gut feeling. Why was this "new kid" doc on the block so good? And WHY did Austin-T make the "same cultural" comment to you? A-T must have known you well enough to REALLY NOT TO HAVE MADE THAT CULTURAL ATTACHMENT for you? Maybe A-T had made that cultural connection for the "new kid" doc on the block to "connect" with you. Der, a bit dumb on A-Ts part.

You did not want a "cultural connection" YOU NEEDED A GOOD, COMPASSIONATE AND UNDERSTANDING LISTENER. Sounds like the "new kid" doc on the block loves his own voice too much. Possibly he had too much nerves and was trying too too hard.

I agree make a complaint. The "new kid" doc needs to learn proper patient and doc protocol, professional conduct and LEARN TO LISTEN.

thanks champagne!! i dont think it was austin-t's fault - he didn't say "same cultural background" - he just said what nationality the doctor was (which happens to be similar to mine), the last GP austin-t had recommended (the one who left) was russian. austin-t is south african. he wasn't trying to draw a connection for me, i think he was just saying something about them. they all have pretty heavy accents, it can be pretty funny.
you're right that the new doc might've been nervous & trying too hard. it really did seem like he wanted to establish a connection straight away, to get to really know me as an individual instead of just another patient. but maybe he got carried away.
i dont know about making a complaint, but i might talk it over with austin-t so austin-t knows not to refer other people to him. but at the same time i feel bad because when we were leaving he kept saying "god bless you" and said he really hoped i would come back . so at the same time i feel really sorry for this doc and i almost would go back just because he asked me to.

[sittingatwatersedge]

Originally Posted by deliquesce

.......the paperwork thingy i might ask austin-t for it. or bully pdoc into being a bloody doctor and write the referral for me.

there! - I had thought of that too. Sounds like a plan

[imapatient]

Originally Posted by deliquesce

i dont know about making a complaint, but i might talk it over with austin-t so austin-t knows not to refer other people to him. but at the same time i feel bad because when we were leaving he kept saying "god bless you" and said he really hoped i would come back . so at the same time i feel really sorry for this doc and i almost would go back just because he asked me to.

If you don't make a complaint, I will. I'm fuming about what he put you through. Life is hard enough than to have some arrogant MD decide it's his place to tell you so many negative things about your life situation, share his great wisdom. Really, he was sooooooooo out of line.

To clarify, I gathered that he's from your cultural background/ethnicity/religion/race or some combo of? So he was trying to relate to you as "being one of us/(his kind)" and not as an "other"---true? Not racist in the traditional sense of bias against the "other", etc.? And he's like very hardcore into the old-fashioned customs of the shared community background re: the role of family, things like how long you live with your parents, when you get married, to whom, gender roles, etc. ? (Like your parents and family are?) Is this true? Not that it matters; I just can't gauge how much he was insulting you for not being "like your kind" (you as "other") as opposed to for not being "enough like our (us) kind" in his eyes. Read any Fanon?

Anyway, the things he said are very, very unprofessional and unethical here in the US. He crossed so many boundaries. At that younger age, being provoked about stuff like that (esp. family given my situation at that age) and being lectured like that, at some point I'm sure I woulda let loose with a two word response where the first word starts with an f and the second with a y. If not then and there, all the way on the drive home and wrote a letter of complaint utilizing the colloquialism. (Then deleting it from the real letter I'd send).

He should get in major trouble for what he did. Maybe you were someone going through all sorts of difficulties like the kind you actually are going through? He didn't know? And you're there for a psych referral, so he should be particualrly sensitive to your state of mind.

The "g" word is lost on me as an agnostic, but while he might be a decent, moral person, he needs to learn that the workplace is not the proper place to sell/proselytize about a lifestyle. And that being in a position of particularly crucial authority, he needs to take special care because of the power he wields. Sometimes good people do bad/stupid/wrong/inept/harmful things. He needs to be set straight by his superiors. You're not the only one he has or will victimize. You can do a public service by making a simple written, unemotional, fact-based recitation of what he did and said and giving it to clinic mgmt. I'm sure he had good intentions, which is irrelevant to whether or not his behavior was appropriate.

Who are these people who think it's their place to lecture others?

I really wish you didn't go through this. With all else going on you don't need a dolt like him sticking his nose in your business and condescending to you. Still, you are handling it remarkably well. There's a certain sense of equanimity in many of your postings lately that smells like progress.

[ahc82]

Deli - dont quote me on it but I think your psychiatrist can refer you to Austin T without a care plan - but it still counts towards the 12 sessions.

I got a referal from my psychiatrist at one stage and it went through medicare without any problems, even though I had a current care plan in place for another T.

Also - in some cases the 12 sessions can be extended to 18, and again dont quote me on this but I THINK I read somewhere about a loophole where if you have a good enough reason you dont have to wait 3 months between referrals.

And lastly - I think beyondblue or depressionet (or maybe black dog institute?) has a list of "depression friendly professionals" including GP's. Maybe you can find on there?

Just some ideas! Hope it works out.

[ahc82]

Just found this:

"Both categories of psychology Medicare items can only be provided to people with 'an assessed mental disorder' that is being managed by a GP under a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan or a psychiatrist assessment and management plan, or on direct referral from a psychiatrist or a paediatrician (for treatment of a child)."

So you can definitely get one from your psychiatrist.

http://www.psychology.org.au/medicar...edicare_items/

[deliquesce]

Originally Posted by sittingatwatersedge

there! - I had thought of that too. Sounds like a plan

thanks sawe! i saw pdoc today and he finally did it for me, on the spot. i just read it over though and i think the technicalities are wrong () BUT he said if there was something wrong with it to get austin-t to give him a call and they'd sort it out.
and then he got distracted and told me how he saw austin-t last friday and austin-t was in a football jersey and pdoc felt like a social outcast at work because he hadn't realised it was "wear your team's jersey" day. but that he thought austin-t was going to take him out because austin-t looked like a footy player and pdoc felt very scared for his white shirt getting torn.
lololol i like it when they're in love.

Originally Posted by imapatient

To clarify, I gathered that he's from your cultural background/ethnicity/religion/race or some combo of? So he was trying to relate to you as "being one of us/(his kind)" and not as an "other"---true? Not racist in the traditional sense of bias against the "other", etc.? And he's like very hardcore into the old-fashioned customs of the shared community background re: the role of family, things like how long you live with your parents, when you get married, to whom, gender roles, etc. ? (Like your parents and family are?) Is this true? Not that it matters; I just can't gauge how much he was insulting you for not being "like your kind" (you as "other") as opposed to for not being "enough like our (us) kind" in his eyes. Read any Fanon?

oh impy, you're a rabid intellectual . i was thinking about you this morning and what you said a while back about how i would start finding more types of "me" people as i climbed the uni ladder. i really hope so, because i still feel kind of outcasty everywhere and the "me" people i've found are currently in the States.
yeah - the GP was from the same (similar) regional background as me. or rather, as my parents - i was born in australia. they are probably the same generation. so it wasn't racist as in "go back to your own country" it was more "you're one of 'us' and this is how 'we' do things". in a sense though the race (culture) issue is similar for me regardless of where it comes from - it's a pressure to conform to a nominated cultural worldview, typically that i don't fit into. even though i was born in australia, i grew up with migrant parents, with a migrant extended family, in a migrant community etc. so there are many aspects of the dominant "australian" culture which i don't fit in with either. and the race thing comes in because people see the colour of my skin and make assumptions about me because of it, both positive and negative, but rarely anything accurate. like sw628 said, i often wish i was transparent.

re: making a complaint. gosh, yknow, i just cant be bothered. i've seen enough bad GPs, this is just another one in a long long line of them. i talked to pdoc about this today - the monday GP in particular, and then it turned into a bit of a mope about all GPs and i think i even chucked in a bit about old-T (poor pdoc had been trying to wrap up, i think i extended the session a further 20mins). it was good to talk to pdoc about it, because the GP thing does upset me in general. i left my last GP (who i'd been seeing fairly regularly for 2 years) because she got upset that i applied for & accepted my honours offer. old-T often used to tell me the depression was of my own creating, because if i just dropped uni i would be happy etc. somehow people in general seem to think they're all amateur psychologists and that the real mental health professionals (who i've been consulting for a long time) haven't somehow assessed the bleeding obvious options. /rant . pdoc is so good at validating me, i love him so much. and it's a topic that hits close to home for him too - he gets angry about the perception out there that psychiatrists are bottom of the rung physicians, not required etc. so we had a good 20mins of one-upping each other about all the mindblowingly stupid things that have been hurled our way by various medical professionals.

he told me he'd find me a good GP though. he said the first person he would swear on was probably too far away for me to travel to, but then he got all excited because he knows a few GPs personally at a centre just a bus ride away from me, so he said he'd get their address and pass the details on properly next time. and he said that because they work as a group, that if one of them isnt available on the day i needed that person that he'd just as happily recommend the other one, and that all my records could stay in the same place. so i feel a bit better about that. the more i think about it the more i realise im just so lucky to have fallen in with pdoc - i could have just as easily have got the pdoc who works in the room right next to him, and that pdoc has a reputation for being a bit of an a**hole. and because i was 20 and it was my first time with a pdoc, i wouldnt have known any better and just accepted poor treatment as par for the course.

Originally Posted by ahc82

Deli - dont quote me on it but I think your psychiatrist can refer you to Austin T without a care plan - but it still counts towards the 12 sessions.

I got a referal from my psychiatrist at one stage and it went through medicare without any problems, even though I had a current care plan in place for another T.

Also - in some cases the 12 sessions can be extended to 18, and again dont quote me on this but I THINK I read somewhere about a loophole where if you have a good enough reason you dont have to wait 3 months between referrals.

And lastly - I think beyondblue or depressionet (or maybe black dog institute?) has a list of "depression friendly professionals" including GP's. Maybe you can find on there?

Just some ideas! Hope it works out.

thanks, darling!!! yeah, pdoc wrote a referral for 18 sessions, but i dont think he's allowed to do that until i've finished the first 12. it's good to know that i can switch from a GP referral to a pdoc referral though - that was my main concern, how they would figure that. but it sounds like medicare might be flexible.
i think it's beyondblue who have the depression friendly professionals listing - unfortunately nothing came up in my area that would bulk bill, and i really can't afford to pay even more to maintain my health. but if the GPs that pdoc suggests dont work out i might look back at beyondblue again and just do a wider area search.
thank you SO MUCH for looking all of that up for me . it's really confusing to figure out when the pros don't even know the rules themselves.

[darkrunner]

(((((((((((((Deli)))))))))))))))))

I'm glad you got to see pdoc and it helped to talk about it.
I hope his referral works out better!