Posted by PaulB on July 4, 2001, at 15:42:04
In reply to Re: Locating Psychiatrists, posted by Marie1 on July 1, 2001, at 10:55:02
> Interesting you should ask - I was curious about the UK system because some people who have posted here make it seem relatively hopeless and there is no "shopping around" as we do here. The thing about finding a competent pdoc here in the states (in my experience) is you have more chances if you can afford to pay out of pocket. As Kazoo stated, most HMOs will only pay for the docs who agree to accept payment which is about 60% of the going fee (about $130.00 - $150.00/hr. in my area). I tried going the HMO route originally but became extremely frustrated when their doctors either didn't return my call or weren't taking new patients. Being suicidal at the time, I finally just called a local pdoc (I live in a small town outside of D.C., but there seem to be plenty of shrinks - go figure!! < g > and apparently I lucked out. I think my pdoc is enormously talented and he is helping me. I pay out of pocket and occasionally my HMO chips in - after much begging, groveling, etc. So basically, if you can afford it, good care is relatively easy to find here, especially if you live in a major urban sprawl or suburb.
>
> MarieThanks for the information. I think the system is quite quite different in the US to the UK. I had to look up to find out what HMO meant and I guess its the equivalent of what we have in the UK called the NHS. On the NHS your entitled to see the local psychiatrist for your area but if he/she isnt any good then there are no alternatives on the NHS unless you move to a different county(state in US). Private psychiatrist certainly do not seem to be as abundant in the UK as they are in the US and the best route is via private hospitals and I think its easier if you are in the capital. Moving on though to continue this discussion you mentioned that if youve got the money it can be easy although finding the right psychiatrist may well be a trial and error process.
Anyone I would like to know peoples views on the general prices ranges for pdoc sessions(lowest, average, high rates). I contacted one myself and he charged $500 for consultation and $400 for all appointments therafter. What do you think of that?
poster:PaulB
thread:6925
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010628/msgs/7073.html