Posted by Kate on September 4, 1999, at 9:52:29
recently I again went on the frustrating rounds
of trying to find a psychiatrist. I found out that medicare and HMOs do not have to publish or tell you the names oof participating psychiatrists. When asking about 'specialities' of the pschiatrists in the HMO - I was told that "they all work with adults and children" and when asking for someone good with pharmcology (I'm on meds for other problems) the HMO said "they all studied drugs in medical school"
The HMO's contracting group for mental health also told me that they couldn't accept me because I have medicare as primary (therefore they have to file with medicare) After MANY long distance calls I got an appt. I meant with an MD for 45 minutes of a 50? minute session and THEN he said he only works with adults (I'm 5'8" and over 50yr - who did he think I wa when I walked in?) Bottom line - cost; I think he wanted to give me to a LCSW.
How does one "research" pdoc if you can't even get a listing of the names in the group.?
With the number of meds - how does one insist on MD rather than LCSW?
FYI - I was told it would take state and federal legislation to require listing of particaipating MDs.
for HMOs or those accepting medicare patients.
In the meantime, I was told to call all the MDs lisited in the yellow pages and ask if they are in the HMO or accept medicare. Most pdocs aren't in yellow pages, are they?
What is up with all this?
How do I make an "informed" decision in obtaining medical care?
poster:Kate
thread:10992
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/10992.html