My doc referred me to a rheumatologist who can't fit me in until February!

[skygazer]

How can a doctor possibly be booked up for 5 months?! Are there that many arthritics and that few rheumatologists? I'm living on Vicodin as it is. I really don't understand how this stuff works. :grr:

[rockymountaindem]

1. Good thing we don't have rationing in this country!

You can see whatever doctor you want without being on a list!

:sarcasm:

[Whoa_Nelly]

2. Are you on a HMO?

Do you have to be referred?

If not, start calling around. There has to be someone who can see you sooner. :hug:

[skygazer]

5. I do need a referral

I've found another doc who may have something sooner - I just need to contact my GP to refer because he was not on her original list. :eyes:

It is so frustrating dealing with the stupid hoops one has to jump through to get medical care. I am thankful I have health insurance - you betcha! - but it is still an uphill battle to do anything out of the ordinary.

Thanks for the :hug: and suggestion.

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

3. I feel for you...

TMI warning... when I started bleeding profusely from my female apparatus with no end in sight the OB/GYN couldn't see me until 3 months later... and people complain about so-called socialized medicine :nuke:

[skygazer]

7. Exactly

My sister had pneumonia and was told the doc could not see her for another month! I took the phone out of her hand and made a big stink and they got her in but it is just ridiculous!

Yeah, I really have to roll my eyes when people talk about the long waits we'd experience if we had *gasp* socialized health care. :eyes:

[WilmywoodNCparalegal]

4. I feel for you...

twice! Pls. delete!

[TZ]

6. Specialists can be.

First time visits require alot of time with the doctor...When I first new I had a problem with my blood and was referred to a hematologist it was about 6 weeks before I could get in (and cancer was something I was worried about).
do you need a docs referral for your insurance? Can you find another rheumatologists? (FWIW, rheumatologists also treat autoimmune disorders like Lupus which is a fairly common disease)

[skygazer]

8. Yeah, I'm working on getting in to see another one

A lot of them are closed today so I'll probably have to do it tomorrow. And I do need the referral which I'm sure my doc will be fine with giving.

It's just frustrating to be in pain and have to deal with all this crap. ~sigh~

[dropkickpa]

9. I had a 4 month wait to see a neurologist

He's one of the best and his wait was shorter than anyone elses! Specialists, especially initial visits, are hard to get in to see (my initial visit was over an hour). Sorry, that really sucks!

[seemunkee]

10. Can the GP get you in sooner?

Usually if they make the call your doc can get you in sooner.