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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jakeman on December 2, 2005, at 20:54:06
I've called 10 (out of about 25) so far on my directory. They are either: booked till late Feb., no longer taking insurance, retired or no longer accepting patients. I ruled out two on the list due to unfavorable references.
I called United Behavior Health. They admitted there was a shortage of pdocs in my town. (There are over a hundred in the phone book). One suggestion they gave was to go to Houston, 250 miles away.
I got several comments from the pdoc offices along the lines that that are giving up on dealing with insurance companies due to various hassles. One thing I found out is that UHC will not pay them their regular fee. I questioned UHC in particular about one doctor, referred by my neurologist. The response from the insurance rep was "she will not accomodate us".
I'm looking at ordering meds online or seeing if the County mental health clinic will help.
warm regards ~Jake
Posted by jamestheyonger on December 3, 2005, at 15:54:23
In reply to Can't find a psychistrist on United Health Care, posted by Jakeman on December 2, 2005, at 20:54:06
> I've called 10 (out of about 25) so far on my directory. They are either: booked till late Feb., no longer taking insurance, retired or no longer accepting patients. I ruled out two on the list due to unfavorable references.
>This has been my experience, a 2 month wait to see a pdoc on an HMO. Since you seem to have insurance can your primary give you something to tide you over for 2 months. They are more likely
to do this once you have an appointment with a pdoc.Yes, HMO pays specialists less than their standard fees.
Posted by blueberry on December 3, 2005, at 16:38:44
In reply to Can't find a psychistrist on United Health Care, posted by Jakeman on December 2, 2005, at 20:54:06
Another option might be to look up regular doctors covered by the insurance. Write each of them a brief letter letting them know you are looking for someone good with psychiatry, briefly describe your case, and ask them to either call you or return your self addressed stamped envelope if they are interested in taking your case. Some GPs are really good with meds...not many, but some. I did this once and got about a 15% response from letters I mailed. If I ever need another doc, that's exactly what I would do again. The letter kind of serves as a screening tool as well.
Posted by Phillipa on December 3, 2005, at 22:49:09
In reply to Re: Can't find a psychistrist on United Health Care, posted by blueberry on December 3, 2005, at 16:38:44
So far I've had no problem with medicare. I am lucky to have that. And I've heard HMO's can be the pits. Good luck in your search. Out of pocket may be your best option. Yes I know they are expensive but they often do not to see you very often. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Jakeman on December 4, 2005, at 19:40:12
In reply to Can't find a psychistrist on United Health Care, posted by Jakeman on December 2, 2005, at 20:54:06
Thanks everybody. You've given me some ideas so I don't feel like I'm up against the wall. If I could afford it, I would just pay out of pocket to a doctor not on the list. One dr. I called said my initial visit would be $300, and $75 for follow-ups. But I'd prefer to avoid adding financial stress onto everything else.
~Jake
This is the end of the thread.
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