Doctor problems
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| Wed, 12-01-2004 - 3:36pm |
My regular GP continues to test TSH and little else. So I went to Mary Shomon's web site and got the name of a "top doc" in the Atlanta area - Chip Reed came highly recommended. I looked him up on my insurance and he was covered. Yay I thought. Well, I just called his office to make an appointment because I'm still symptomatic. He is booked until April. So I said what about a nurse practitioner. No problem, I could come in next week. Only one problem. I have to have my doctor refer me!!!! What???!?!?!? I am not in an HMO I explained. He said that it doesn't matter that they will no longer take walk-ins - you must have a referral from a doctor to get an appointment! This is completely insane. I am tempted to go to my GYN (because the symptoms I am having are related to this) and doubtless she can refer me (because it isn't something she can treat).
Has anyone else heard of any ridiculous policies like this? It is hard enough to get people to believe you when you have thyroid issues - they treat everything else but the thyroid. And now to have a "top doc" for thyroid turn you away! It just smarts.
Sorry to vent but I had to go somewhere to do it and I know everyone here will understand where I'm coming from.
Danielle

Vent away...that's what we're here for!
I think this experience is probably not all that unusual. I think the "top" doc's probably do this to try to screen out people who may need to see their GP/PCP first to rule out other possible causes. That doesn't make it right, but I guess I can kinda understand it.
Try your ob/gyn to get a referral, if that doesn't work, try another doctor or perhaps one of those "doc in a box" urgent care type places.
Good luck...and keep trying!!!
dazed
Dazed
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If it's any consolation to you.. my endo is also one of the "top docs" and he wants his patients referred to him.