The same happens in Canada :(
Not everyone can navigate as well, & medical treatment gets delayed
Discussion
I was referred to a specialist and when I just called their office I was told I couldn’t be seen until July. They gave me a number that I could give my referring doctor to change the referral type so that I could be seen sooner. I had to call three different numbers in order to find someone who could get “a message“ to my referring doctor to let them know.
A nurse called me this morning to review bloodwork that had abnormal results. Every time I asked a question, I got an attitude from this person. So sorry to inconvenience you…
I’m generally healthy so I typically don’t need to utilize my insurance outside of general checkups. I’m currently having a GI issue and this is eye opening!! I don’t believe the nurses assessment and I’m thankful I’m getting a second round of bloodwork. But waiting until July to see a specialist is NOT ACCEPTABLE. This truly has me scared of getting old, where I won’t be as sharp to deal with this all. Horrific! I posted this on Facebook as well, a friend shared a story similar to yours that made me FURIOUS. Her doctor brought her to the ER to be admitted with blood pressure of 239/116 and they SENT HER HOME. Why am I paying an arm and a leg for insurance as a self-employed individual to be treated like CATTLE?! #[3]
Yep, squeaky wheel is name of the game with insurance. I have experienced on the patient and provider side. Be a thorn in their side to get things done.
More and more I am seeing patients go outside the US and receive much faster & efficient care. I had a patient who went to Mexico for a breast biopsy because the wait was 5 weeks here. She had new mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy, cyst removal surgery and pathology report within 3 days and for less than her deductible in the US. She said the facilities were modern, with excellent care.
Many of my family members go to Korea for medical treatments now. Something like a lithotripsy for kidney stones is 1/10th the cost of the US and you can get in immediately for treatment. Self pay of course.
It almost sounds like I might be better off spending the monthly amount that goes to my insurance on fucking bitcoin and traveling wherever I should go to get the best treatment. The fact that this is a thought that’s running through my head is a major problem. Thank you for validating my want to push my providers into action. I’m not trying to be a bitch or a Karen, but I also am not going to sit around waiting for care either.
Our Canadian system is medical care not healthcare. Every time that i have ₿umped into our system my only hope is to get treatment and getout asap.
Timely seems to ₿e way down the line of priorities.