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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 7:40:41
Hi, This is my first time posting though I have been lurking for a long time. I recently had to change psychiatrists as mine was at a military facility and had to move on. I had a terrible time finding a new doctor that would accept my medical plan. Any way I have been to 4 different psychiatrists now over the past 7 years. The first two were in my home state of Florida. In Florida the doctors offices were clean, professional appearing offices. My new Doctors office in Providence, RI has all the appearance of a "crack house". Seriously, it's in an old house, the inside floors are filthy as is the doctors office. That's not really my biggest complaint. The doctor asked me virtually nothing about my problems, life etc. He asked the drugs I was taking and quickly wrote out prescriptions. While I was in his office he took a call from his cell. phone (which appeared to be the only phone in his office). He talked to the person on the phone longer than he talked to me while I sat there like an idiot. I recently had a second visit to this man and it was virtually the same, including a phone call from someone else which he took. Am I wrong to think that this isn't professional behavior in any way? I know most doctors today just prescribe meds but shouldn't they ask for your previous physicians records, want to know something about your physical health etc.? Could some one from the New England area tell me if all of this is common in psychiatrists here? I would really appreciate your input..thanks..Cindybee
Posted by Phil on February 28, 2003, at 8:48:29
In reply to What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 7:40:41
Find another doctor now and after you do, I'd file a complaint with the proper authority. There'd a state office in Texas, Office 0f State Medical Examiners You can file complaints or see if any doctor is already on their list. I call them before seeing any doctor.
I don't stay at any office of a remote medical nature that is filthy and this moron that took a cell call is more than stupid. After you find a replacement, write him and say you would like a refund for the time he took care of personal business.
He's totally unprofessional. Write your past psychiatrist and ask that they forward your records, for the continuance of treatment, to another doctor.
Keep asking around but get away from that jerk.Phil
Posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 9:01:56
In reply to What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 7:40:41
Thanks for your advice Phil. I just wish it was easy to find another psychiatrist that takes my medical plan. I have heard horror stories of others in my situation that have had to drive as far as Boston or even Maine to find a doctor. I will find another doctor even if I have to pay out of pocket I guess. Thanks again..Cindybee
Posted by Phil on February 28, 2003, at 9:06:49
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 9:01:56
My doc isn't on my plan but they pay 65% of $60.00 max. My doc is 100.00 per 30 min so I get 65% of 60.00 but I have to pay the doc a $100 and wait for my money. It's a little better than nothing.
Posted by Phil on February 28, 2003, at 10:08:34
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 9:01:56
Got these names as some of the best in the nation at treating mood disorders, according to Dr. Ivan at Depression Central. He links to this site.
Good luck.Keller, Martin B., M.D.
345 Blackstone Blvd.
Providence, RI 02906
401-455-6432
Brown, Walter A., M.D.
108 Driftwood Drive
Tiverton, RI 02878
401-624-1578
Posted by laurarn on February 28, 2003, at 10:57:57
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits » Cindybee, posted by Phil on February 28, 2003, at 10:08:34
My experience with my pdoc is so opposite to yours that I would recommend you follow Phil's advice. Do not return to that office.
My medical plan does not cover my psychiatrist at all. So, I pay out of pocket and it is the best money I spend towards my being healthy. I know it is hard to pay for something that can be quite expensive, but it is worth it if you find the right pdoc. My diagnosis is finally correct and my medications are working. That is worth the money spent for sure.
Good Luck!
Posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 11:44:34
In reply to What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 7:40:41
It is not normal for a doctor to talk on the phone longer than he talks to you. Did he deduct this from his charge? I doubt it. That is not professional. Cleaniness is next to godliness...remember that one? Well, if he doesn't have enough pride to keep the place clean, something must be wrong. I live in Oklahoma and offices aren't like that here. I suggest that you find another doctor. This one didn't ask you the questions that would guide him to a decision about your treatment. That is a dangerous thing for him to do for YOU. Leave that man and move on to another caring professional. Good luck!
Posted by syringachalet on February 28, 2003, at 13:05:50
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits » Cindybee, posted by fayeroe on February 28, 2003, at 11:44:34
Dear Cindy,
I have been on both side of the counseling desk.
I always try to have the clients background file when I have my first appointment with them. that is not always possible but I do ask for it and it helps me understand where the client is at.
I have had clients that I didnt read their files(though I already had the file) until AFTER that first appointment. I wanted to meet them face-to-face and make my own observations without being jaded by someone elses prejudices or assumptions. I always read those files later to support what the client had shared with me.
I have almost NEVER took a call(except life or death) during any of my counseling sessions with a client. This was their time and it was just as important to me as it was to them. On only two occasions I did have to take a call, I kept it very short( < than three mins) and I gave the client the option of extra time at the end of their current appointment or a discount; most chose the extra time.
My office I share with two other psych rehab nurses is kept impeccably clean and we wouldnt have it any other way. Any professional that doesnt keep it as such shows disrespect for his profession and his clients safety/comfort.
Phil is right. Find someone else even if that means going to a General Practioner for your meds and a really good therapist for your counseling.
Its that important for your own mental health and safety.Keep us posted, Cindy.
syringachalet
Posted by Tabitha on February 28, 2003, at 14:03:11
In reply to What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 7:40:41
Hi, I tried an HMO plan psychiatrist once, I had to wait 30 minutes past my appointment time, then she took 2 phonecalls during my time. Plus she spent most of my time entering my information into her computer (with much hunting, pecking, and waiting on response), rather than just taking notes and dealing with the computer later. I didn't go back and didn't use the HMO plan again. Fortunately my insurance also has the option of choosing any doctor and doing the billing myself, though I have to pay more that way.
Posted by Cindybee on February 28, 2003, at 14:42:59
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits » Cindybee, posted by Tabitha on February 28, 2003, at 14:03:11
Hi, Thank you all so much for your posts. I will not go back to that doctor for sure!! I know I will have to pay out of pocket because the list of providers my HMO offers is pathetic. It took me about 25 calls at my own expense to find the doctor I am going to now. Most of the doctors in Rhode Island don't accept my insurance or have a waiting list. It's so different from where I am from (Florida). Thanks again! Cindy
Posted by noa on February 28, 2003, at 21:46:15
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Phil on February 28, 2003, at 9:06:49
Cindybee, that pdoc sounded rather awful, no matter what the location.
I also go out of plan, for Pdoc. My insurance does pay a percentage of the cost, though I must file the claims. It is inconvenient, and more costly than if I went in plan, but too important. Although I don't have much extra room in my budget, I am fortunate enough to have some wiggle room to pay for the treatment by just cutting out some things I would love to be able to afford but are less important than my treatment. I am fortunate, because there are so many people with absolutely no discretionary money to pay for treatment, and with more and more pdocs seeming to choose to not participate with insurance plans, the cost of good care is becoming prohibitive for many people. I also use the flex plan at work to get some tax savings for medical expenses, which helps some, though my out of pocket costs well exceed the amount I am allowed to put aside, pre-tax, for medical costs.
Anyway, I think it is worth it to first check out some other pdocs on the insurance plan, but go out of plan, based on reccommendations from other people.
Posted by judy1 on March 1, 2003, at 15:01:16
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by noa on February 28, 2003, at 21:46:15
just wanted to add that like everyone else here I found your experience just awful. It took over a dozen pdocs to find mine, I pay over $200/hr but he is awesome- has an office with 2 sets of double doors (a true therapist's office- completely soundproof), takes all my calls (even in the middle of the night) and e-mails. Just another tip- try calling first to see if the pdoc will speak to you on the phone for 5 or 10 minutes so you can get a feel for him/her w/o wasting a trip. best of luck-judy
Posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 23:01:14
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by judy1 on March 1, 2003, at 15:01:16
>>try calling first to see if the pdoc will speak to you on the phone for 5 or 10 minutes so you
And the fact that they take the time to talk is a good sign. The pdoc I use now did talk to me on the phone and didn't make me feel like I was wasting his time. That went into my decision to hire him.
(as long as they are not talking to you during another patient's session, of course!)
Posted by Cindybee on March 2, 2003, at 6:49:34
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by noa on March 1, 2003, at 23:01:14
Hi, Thank you all for your great advice. I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who thought my doctors actions were wrong. It's weird though, if you look at this mans listing on the AMA website you would think he was a psychiatric God. I just can't wait until I can move back to Florida to my old doctor. She was great. Thanks again for everyones advice. I will definitely use it! Cindy
Posted by Mashogr8 on March 3, 2003, at 16:28:39
In reply to Re: What is normal for new psychiatrist visits, posted by Cindybee on March 2, 2003, at 6:49:34
Blue Cross/Blue Shield is so stingy with reimbursement for psychiatric serveices that very few practitioners are willing to to be considered participating physicians. My therapist and my psychiatrist are no longer preferred providers for any insurance plan never mind the Blue Cross program. Their feeling is that they do not want to be dictated to by the insurance company, for abmount of time allowed or the type of therapy. I pay both of my therapists out of pocket and submit my own claim for insurance payment. I definitely pay more out of pocket but I trust who I am seeing(for their expertise) and I know that they are good enough to support themselves without cowtowing to the insurance company. My psychotherapist feels that the quality of therapy could be adversely affected by preventing people from freedom of choice without a lot of grief when filing claims.
I wonder if the office that you went to was on Hope Street. The office I am thinking of is used by psychiatrists working for/with a number of Medicaid patients. These pdocs definitely do not get adequate support from the state with cleaning services which a private therapist m8ght be able to hire. If the facility was off Blackstone Blvd., some of those offices are better cared for than others. That facility has had to cut pdocs and therapists as well as housekeeping staff.
Having to take phone calls during a scheduled session reinforces their overworked life. Find someone better. There are good pschiatrists here -- they just cost an awful lot. But if we don't take things in our own hands no one else will. Good luck.
I don't think some of the physicians that Ivan Goldberg listed are seeing private patients. My understanding is that one of them is the physician who oversees a number of drug trials or works with hospitalized patients.
This is the end of the thread.
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