How Many Doctors Is Enough?
When I went Tuesday to have blood drawn and the port flushed for the first time since my last Herceptin treatment in December, I thought I’d be in and out in ten minutes. Oh no; that would have been too easy. Our insurance plan recently got switched to a different carrier. And so the fun began:
“Yes, Maria, I see you’re 15 minutes early for your appointment.”
“Well, hello there, friendly receptionist. Here’s my new insurance I.D. card.”
“Okay, who is your gatekeeper?” she asked.
“Say what?” I couldn’t help but stare at her.
“The name of your primary care physician. He was supposed to give you a referral to this office. We can’t see you until that happens.” And I’m supposed to know all this how?
I managed to reply, “I come here about 75% of the time, the naturopath 24%, and the primary physician 1% of the time. But he’s supposed to refer me here?”
Three phone calls and twenty-five minutes later, I was able to see the infusion nurse. Tomorrow morning, I am going to see the primary care physician so that he can refer me to the oncologist that I go to all the time. What a rat race.
Why don’t any of the doctors give referrals for hot tubs and spa treatments? That’s what I want to know.
Hello Marie,
I love to read your blog, Bobby went to see the Dr. that found his lymphoma in his face. It was a 4 month check up. She looked in his nose and said it looked better than when he first got cancer. We are so happy that all is well. He goes to the cancer Dr. in May for another check up.It was hard having 2 cancers in the same year.He also changed insurance companies in January as they last one quit his program.Keep telling us your stories.
Blessings,
claudia mills
Claudia,
I’m glad that Bobby’s nose got a good report! : )
I can’t imagine having two cancers at the same time. It’s hard enough having one.
I don’t know if you’re local or not, but I’m speaking at the Mount Vernon Public Library on Wednesday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m. It would be great to meet you face-to-face.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Good afternoon Marie,
We live in Edmonds. If you come this way we would love to meet you.
Blessings,
Claudia