[emptybucket]

My therapist got me a list of doctors to call and seeing how i have been diagnosed with bipolar 1,which makes perfect sense to me,the therapist thinks it would be a good idea to seek out medication.He is in the process of helping me with getting a medical card,etc. and an appointment with a pdoc.But in the interim,i'm stuck cold calling doctors.

Do i just cold call these docs and say hey "I'm John Doe,i'm bipolar and in need of medication,i don't have any insurance but would be willing to pay out of pocket"

Any advice would be appreciated.

Are these doctors that your doctor has worked with in the past??

When I needed anti-anxiety medication, I just called my doctor (who I never see, so I doesn't "know" me) and made an appointment. The office staff asked what the appointment was in regards to and I said "anxiety". Then I went to my appt, explained that I had been seeing a therapist and he thought I needed something to take as needed for anxiety, the doctor asked some questions, and I left with a prescription.

My understanding is that medication for bipolar is a bit trickier,though. Is there any reason you can't start with a pdoc instead of a regular doctor? A pdoc will have much more knowledge and and experience with meds for bipolar.

[cantstopcrying]

You can call and say simply say "I was given Dr. X's name by so-and-so to make an appointment." The staff, who do this all the time, will likely say something along the lines of what is your name, address, etc. When it comes to insurance just tell them you have none, when they ask why, simply say so-and-so recommended I talk to him/her about beginning medication for bipolar. They are used to it...especially if it is a pdoc. Good luck.

[gimmeice]

((((((((((((( emptybucket ))))))))))))))
I think that you have been giving some very good advice, the only thing that I can add is it helps me to just dial the number and make the call, instead of stressing about it, I have to just get it over with.
It was so hard to me to reach out to a doctor that I actually made the appointment to talk about a physical problem and kind of threw in my mental stuff once I was in there, my doctor didn't much care for this, so that is probably not the best way to approach the issue. Good luck

[emptybucket]

Thanks for all the replies.I really want to see a pdoc,my therapist says he has recommended it,it's just a waiting game now.I'm uninsured and there for put to the back of the line,but i'm in line none the less which is cool,something to look forward to.In the two visits i've had with my therapist so far,i've pretty much left him speechless.There's that awkward pause,and then "would you have any problems with taking medication",and he's realistic about it,tells me it's not a cure all,etc.,in which i completely understand.This therapist seems completely invested and cares and has offered to help with filling out paper work,etc.

While i know meds are not a cure all,i know there has been something hay-wire for a long time.And now it has been sandwiched in between some stressfull events that i have zero control.And when i have zero control and every day is literally the same (no exaggeration),it's like i got two streams of depression going on,if that makes any sense.