WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for January, 2000: I hate managed care..

I hate managed care..

From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 7 Jan 2000 13:30:45 -0600 (CST)

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I know this isn't a GYN-type question, but maybe someone can shed some light on the business of running a medical practice.

I have new insurance that requires a PCP. I picked a PCP from the book, since my previous FP was not in the network. Well, I have been sick for a couple of weeks and developed a nasty cough. When I called my new PCP's office to find out about getting an appointment for the cough, I was informed that there were no appointments for new patients until the end of February. I'm not looking for a thorough physical or anything -- how can it possibly take substantially longer to treat a new patients cough compared to treating an existing patient's cough?

And now I think I have strep throat (I was exposed earlier this week, and now I have a very sore throat, trouble swallowing, tender lymph nodes, white stuff on my tonsils, etc). I called the office again this morning, and had to leave a message. It's been several hours and no one has called me back -- and now they are at lunch for 2 hours. I checked into going to urgent care, but I have to have a PCP referral for that. How can I get a referral if I can't even get anyone on the phone?

I realize that every doctor's office in America is full to the brim right now, but am I unreasonable to expect same-day treatment from a PCP for something like suspected strep? Shouldn't they at least call me back and help me find someone who can treat me? At this point, I'd be satisfied with a call to the pharmacy and a follow-up appointment next week, or at least a referral to urgent care.

Any suggestions for getting the care I need within the limitations of managed care?

Andrea

Next message: Erin: "Re: what is this?"
Previous message: Harvey S. Marchbein, M.D.: "Re: Septae vagina."
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Reply: D.: "Re: I hate managed care.."

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