ARGH!

[rm]

So based on the fact that you were all like MEDICAL TREATMENT NOW, I attempted to register a primary care physician and go get seen.

I called 20 doctors given to me by my insurance company.

They were by turns:

- wrong numbers
- not taking my plan
- not taking new patients.

So apparently the $200/month I pay for health insurance doesn't entitle me to medical care. If my mom hadn't had cancer this year, I'd just cancel the plan, since it's not doing me any good, but I have to assume it would do _something_ in a catastrophic situation.

Meanwhile, I'm just going to lie in bed today, I think and hope it gets better, but to say I have a bad feeling about this and no idea what to do is a major understatement.

Comments

[schpahky.livejournal.com]

Does a hospital near you have a walk-in clinic?

Or, an ER visit will still cost you around $50 with insurance, but if you are in lung pain then it might still be worth it.

You can also call your insurance company, explain the situation, and ask what your options are.

[asa-dachi.livejournal.com]

There's usually an 'urgent care' option with most providers. The co-pay might be a bit higher, but you should be able to just show up for a walk-in visit.

[redstapler.livejournal.com]

Seconded.

Cornell's Urgent Care center is really nice, and the people are lovely.

(They're who took care of me on Thanksgiving when I attempted to core an apple through my finger.)

[manycolored.livejournal.com]

If you have a high fever, get treatment at a walk-in, because that's bacterial and they can and have to do something about that. But most bronchitis is viral and they can't do anything.

Meanwhile, Mucinex, hot tea with honey and lemon, a humidifier, and lots of rest (sleep extra and don't push yourself while awake) are the best treatment.

Breathe steam, apply heat to your chest and back, and have somebody thump on your back rapidly while you're bent over - that helps you choke up the stuff that's in your lungs.

[lilerthkwake.livejournal.com]

That SUUUUUUUUUUCKS. What's your insurance policy's take on urgent care centers? It's probably a higher co-pay, but it's worth it if you're feeling really shitty.

[wyrdwriter.livejournal.com]

I went through that with my insurance when I had it.
I am adding my vote for visiting Urgent Care...

[browneyedgirl65.livejournal.com]

Any fever? Tingling at your extremities? Any other thing -- fatigue, dizziness? Doesn't sound like you're coughing anything up, right? And no coughing, no pain. Do you have to cough?

[supremegoddess1.livejournal.com]

does your insurance have a "nurse line" or anything that you could call to ask for a suggestion of how to handle this?

[coriander.livejournal.com]

I'm wondering about an ER visit! Go!

[heron61.livejournal.com]

Agreed. That sounds like by far the best option.

[baronalejandro.livejournal.com]

For the doctors who are 'aren't taking new patients'; use the phrase 'I am having a medical problem'. Do NOT say 'I would like a new patient appointment.' If they still give you the brush off, then ask them for a referral.

[delchi.livejournal.com]

I had the same problem with my insurance. I called them directly and told them the situation and they had access to a more up to date list. I ended up using the urgent care until things settled. It was covered.

Still, I agree with the chorus. This is not a hurry up and wait, does your policy allow ER or urgent care ?

[vavaverity.livejournal.com]

emergency room?

also, get yourself a primary care doctor - go for just a regular ol checkup that way if anything happens again you won't be a "new patient" they can't take ;(

[hakeber.livejournal.com]

Never assume insurance will cover a thing, if you have doubt, call them directly and make sure of things. I agree you should at the very least call and request a much better list of doctors to call. Also look into the urgent care option, find out where you should go.

[19-crows.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're feeling lousy.

But, unless you have a high fever, I'd say it's the flu and it's normal. If you're still sick in a week, then it's time to see somebody. But I hope you're feeling better long before then.