Searching in Vain for New MDs
24 May
We finally received our new health insurance cards in the mail. Now I have the pleasure of searching for all new doctors. Well, except for my TMJ Disorder specialist. Lord willing, I’ll continue to be relatively stable, and I’ll continue to see my specialist in Dallas when we go home. Having a chronic illness is a full time job, and these are the joys of being a professional medical patient.
It seems that there is a shortage of MDs here in South Jersey. I searched for the various specialties from the list of doctors in our area given to us by our new health insurance company. First, I needed a doctor for myself. I found a short list. Many of them were DOs, not MDs. DOs are great, I’m sure, but we already see a chiropractor and sometimes an acupuncturist. We already get the holistic side of medicine from them. I think we’re allowed to want MDs given our past medical histories.
I selected a doctor who looked really good. She graduated from medical school in 1986, and I thought all that experience would make her an excellent doctor.
I called the phone number listed, and it is actually a practice with multiple doctors. They are all accepting new patients…except for the doctor I wanted. So, I settle for another doctor. Then the very nice receptionist (Who I really like by the way. Receptionists and nurses can make or break a doctor for me.) tells me she can get me in for a physical at the end of June. I explained that I had maintenance medications, and I need to be seen sooner than that.
“Could you see the nurse practitioner just this one time? She’s really wonderful. She does everything except surgery and delivering babies!”
“Uh, okay.”
Yup. I went from asking for the best, most experienced doctor, to a nurse practitioner. I’m sure she’ll be great. No big deal.
Then I get started on a new rheumatologist for David. The only two within so many miles of our house are…DOs. I picked one and again chatted with a wonderful receptionist. The soonest they can see David is June 29. I made the appointment, and requested David’s old rheumy’s office send a copy of his file over.
I joked with my mother that I should send letters to our doctors in Texas saying we’d never take them for granted again. Even with our specialists the appointments were never too far out. And our family physician? I could an appointment the same day nine times out of ten.
We’ll see how it goes with the new doctors. We may love the new guys, but I’m not terribly worried about finding the perfect doctors now because when David’s six month contract is up, and they (Lord willing) hire him, we’ll have a different health insurance company and these doctors may no longer be in network. Then I’ll get to start this whole process all over again!
I hate that it’s so difficult to get seen in less than a month. It’s pretty ridiculous.
Praying for you because it is difficult to go through this process… when you have to retell the story to each person you come in contact with. Or fill out the paperwork again and again. It alone can bring your spirits down. Thankful for you! xoxox Darlene
I worked as a medical assistant for a few years. I know the ins and outs of doctors offices and of the whole insurance games they play too. I wish I lived in Jersey so I could get you in quicker – trust me – it CAN be done…no matter what they say.
(((HUGS))) I pray that all the doctors you have found will work out great for you and end up surprising you with their knowledge, understanding and ability.
Grr…we are enjoying this fun too. Someone recommended we carry an accordion file with his medical records and try to get those records before we change each hospital or doctor. It’s working just having a tab with each office’s info right now…but the mountain of paper is adding up quickly. Love ya girl!
I hear you about how the nurses and receptionists can make or break the office. I left a very nice doctor who did a great job because I just couldn’t handle how unorganized their office was. They never knew what was going on and kept losing my files! If they’re nice, it makes the experience SO much better. I hope this new doctor works for you!