Physicians refusing Medicare Patients

[Tuckamore]

Hi All,

I don't often post but today my pain and frustrations are high. I had to share them. As many of you know I am spending six months in Florida. Thankfully I have found a good PMP although it took more time then I would have liked. He provided me with several names of PCP for my medical needs.

In January I became eligible for Medicare as I am on SSDI due to this horrid chronic pain. In my home state of WI that is not a huge issue. So today after weeks on not feeling well I decided I had not choice but to consult a PCP. I took the list that my PMP provided me. Well in this state the first questioned asked when you call to make an appointment is, "What is your insurance." When I respond, "Medicare with a supplement" I have been told by everyone on that list that they do not take Medicare patients.  WHAT??? When I ask if they had any suggestions I am told, "Just keep calling around."

I am fortunate to have always been insured.....and I pay dearly for the supplement. I am a responsible adult and know the value of medical insurance.  I can't find a physician that will take a sick patient because they don't have the "right insurance." My eyes have been opened. My parents have been on Medicare for years. I have never had this issue with this fact in WI. No physician has turned them away because they were on Medicare. Is it because my home state has a different philosophy on patient care...or is this state (FL) an exception? Is the refusal to see Medicare Patients happening across the USA with the exception of my area of WI?

I have finally gone to Medicare's Site to seek a physician's name that may see me. I am truly sick....and getting sicker. If this fails I will be forced to go to Urgent Care. The Urgent Cares I have found in this area will only take Medicare patients IF they PAY UP-FRONT. They won't even bill Medicare!  We discovered that when my husband had an Urgent Ear problem a few months ago. In my state you are not refused care based on your ability to pay....and you never have to pay up front....unless it's a co-pay and then they'll ask if you are able to pay all or at least part of the co-pay.

I am fuming!!! What's wrong with this system and is there any fixing it?

Sorry for venting. I had to let some of this steam off before I continue these calls. I don't want to display a bad attitude. Who would want to see an ornery disabled person??

Thanks for listening. :o)

Blessings,
~Tuck    

[Tuckamore]

You're all so kind! Thank you.

Something in three of new prescriptions is causing me sleepiness. ...and I haven't taken the 4th on yet...which notoriously causes insomnia, a steroid! I was up most all night! Darn.

You are all so right...and Mellie it IS frightening what is happening to our Health Care Delivery System! I never worried either. Like you I worked hard and had great health insurance. I just went to the doctor when I needed or took my kids when they were sick. I paid little for a great HMO and thought it would always be that easy. I WAS part of the Health Care Delivery System and we took care of one another....until the loaded dump truck decided differently.  

Now what??? Where to from here for this fine country? What kind of a mess have we gotten ourselves in.. and how did I....or we... miss that turn?  Unfortunately there is no law that says we all have equal rights to equal health care.  There are laws against discriminating against me as a woman but you can let me lay in the street and die because I am now Disabled and on Medicare! That may be over stated...but believe me, not by much.

I'll shut up for now and take my meds. :o)

[mellie4]

So sorry, Tuck, for all of what's going on with you.  Hopefully your antibiotics will have you on the mend sooner rather than later.

Health care in this country truly is frightening.  Who knows what's going to happen.  I never worried about this stuff before ... when I was working and had great insurance, I took it for granted.  

Feel better, Tuck.  Take advantage of your bad weather and rest and relax and be kind to yourself.

[geminigirl1963]

So glad you had a pleasant experience at the clinic and that you got a good exam.  It's hard to tell sometimes with health clinics, sometimes they are good, but other times I guess they are just so busy that you pretty muh feel like a number being whisked along a conveyor belt.

I'm sorry to hear what they discovered was causing your illness, but glad that they did - if that makes any sense!  LOL  What I mean is that now that they/you know what it wrong, they can treat it and you can start to feel better again and once again enjoy your new paradise surroundings!

Please continue to follow doctor's orders - REST AND GET BETTER!!!  Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you!

[squirtatious]

A netti pot will help your sinus issues and good ole fashioned garlic will treat AND clear up your ear infections!!

[namnam46]

Tuck,

I'm SO GLAD that you found out what has been causing you to feel so "crummy" lately.  That DEFINITELY explains ALL that's been happening to you, INCLUDING that back pain that you've been experiencing as pneumonia can CERTAINLY do that to you.

You KNOW I HOPE and PRAY that you are back on your feet ASAP!!!!

Much Love and MEGA - but soft - {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}..............Sherry  :)

[Tuckamore]

Well another update.

I went to the clinic today. It was a much better experience then I had anticipated. Ppl were friendly and there were other Medicare Patients seeking care also. No I am not old enough to collect regular SS...but I do receive SSDI. I learned that there are private physicians, usually single practice that do except Medicare. However I was told they know of none in the large city where I was attempting to obtain an appointment. They assured me that I could continue to obtain care there.  

The Clinic was clean and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. I received a good and thorough examination. Everyone seemed concerned. Appropriate tests were ordered. I was very satisfied with the entire appointment. I will continue my Primary Care at the Clinic. That's the good news.

The bad news is I have been feeling pretty crummy for well over a month. When you think you're in Paradise you simply don't want to take a break to find a PCP. Big mistake. I have pneumonia, bilateral ear infection and sinusitis. Ugh!  I promised to take it easy and get lots of rest and was given four prescriptions. After spending $140.00 at the pharmacy I am home trying to follow doctor's orders.. rest! Thank goodness the weather is almost as bad as I feel.... so resting is not so bad.

Thanks for all your well wishes. It is appreciated.... it proves once again that you all are a wonderful group of compassionate and caring ppl!

My Best,
~Tuck