Now I am really, really mad!

regslady
regslady Member Posts: 37
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
So, when my GP first scheduled a GI appointment for me, I mentioned that the doctor's name seemed familiar. When I went in for my first appointment, I realized he was the doctor that misdiagnosed me a little over a decade ago. I called my GP's office and told them I was uncomfortable having this doctor treat me (and why) and requested that I be transferred to another GI doctor.

Well, my GP's office *supposedly* contacted the GI office about this. They asked me to let the original GI doctor do the colonoscopy because they didn't want it delayed. They promised me that another doctor would take over right after that.

Insert your favorite curse words here. I was having problems and called my GP. He told me to call the GI office this morning and request to talk to a specific doctor and that she would be able to take over my care. Well, I called. I'm still assigned to the original doctor. They say they didn't receive any request to transfer me to another doctor. My GP is going to have to put in a request and then I can be seen in September.

Soo...it looks like continue seeing a doctor who has already messed up on his treatment of me twice or continue on in bad pain, with what may be cancer, with no treatment for two months.

I am so beyond mad right now.

Comments

  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #2
    HMO?
    Are you in an HMO plan?

    If so, please consider moving to a PPO plan as soon as possible. You will be allowed to see whoever, whenever you need to without waiting to switch doctors or get referrals.
  • nudgie
    nudgie Member Posts: 1,478 Member
    #3
    It does
    sound like you are in an HMO or Kaiser? I stopped using HMO's right after PPOs were available. I prefer to have a handle on who I can see and why and not having to mess with "referrals", so if you have the ability to change, I would. Sometimes the additional cost is worth it in the long run.

    Since I lost my full-time (GREAT BENEFITS!!) job, we had to switch to my husband's benefits (sucks!!!). We pay around $782.00 a month for this compared to around $300.00.

    I would also get the colonoscopy done as quickly as possible and sometimes being not so nice helps.
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #4
    I would be beyond mad with this
    I would squeak and squeak about this until I got oiled. There is no reason that they can not get you a "good" doctor to do this procedure for you. I would call the jerk doctor and explain how he fk'd it up twice and you want no part of him at all. This isn't baseball, 2 strikes and you're out. Really, one strike would have done it for me, but that's me.

    I REALLY hope you get to see someone good and pronto.
    -phi
  • pamysue
    pamysue Member Posts: 105
    #5
    PPO here. Even got a
    PPO here. Even got a referral from my surgeon. I can't get anyone in our GI to give me an appointment. No one is treating my chronic diarreha now except for me. I feel your pain. Insert many cuss words here.
  • regslady
    regslady Member Posts: 37
    #6
    Yes, I have a PPO
    I'm supposed to be able to see whatever doctor I want (with referral). I got a PPO just to avoid stuff like this. Go figure
  • serrana
    serrana Member Posts: 163 Member
    #7
    regslady said:

    Yes, I have a PPO
    I'm supposed to be able to see whatever doctor I want (with referral). I got a PPO just to avoid stuff like this. Go figure

    Yes i have a PPO
    Please don't put up with this for one more second.

    There are rules, regs and laws that govern insurance companies no matter if they are HMO or PPOs. If you have a PPO you can go to anyone you choose who takes your insurance plan. Some docs insist on a referral if they are specialists but if you read the fine print they really can't restrict the patients they serve.

    Tommorrow morning call the customer service number of your PPO. Do not talk to the person who answers but tell them you want to talk to "the highest level manager in the customer service department". Don't take no for an answer.

    When you get Mrs. Manager on the phone ask her/him what her/his name is and her/his direct call back number; tell her/him that you are making some notes because this is a serious medical issue. Explain the run- a -round you have been getting from your doctor/s.

    If she doesn't get you to the doc you want to see, tell her/him you want paperwork faxed to you so you can register a formal appeal and complaint. Keep copies of everything.Tell the PPO that you hope you don't have to file a complaint to the state that you know they have rules to follow. Ask for a copy of those regulations.

    If you do have to complain to the state, then go on line and contact the state you live in and get the complaint form from the state department of insurance.

    File a complaint. You will win. Go for it.
    Serrana

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