Why Is This So Hard!! (Long Vent)

Lounge By shelbur10 Updated 12 Jun 2007 , 10:26pm by lil_mama06

shelbur10 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
shelbur10 Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 12:43pm
post #1 of 8

Well, most of you have heard me complaining about my back problems. I had surgery back in March for a ruptured disc, but it ruptured again about 6 weeks after surgery. Since then, my doctor has been trying all the same things that didn't work before. I'm frustrated and not interested in another surgery, so I decided to try another doctor and see if there are other options.
Apparently, I am stuck with this doctor for life!! I found a 'center for spinal disorders' and tried to get an appointment. Sounds like the place to go, right? They have an orthopedic surgeon and a pain management physician. They only take new patients by referral. So I asked my dr. to send a referral, and they did. Now the new dr. has to review my records before he decides if he will see me, and when I called to ask about it, the lady who answered the phone (receptionist? appt. clerk? who knows!) grilled me about why I want a new doctor.
HELLO??!! If I were happy with my doctor, I wouldn't be calling YOU!! Why are they making this so hard?? It's my right as a patient to seek as many opinions as I need before making the huge decision to have a second surgery. After all, I am paying for the service! I should be able to see any doctor I want. My insurance pays for it, whether they can help or not, so what's the big freakin' deal???

Thanks for listening, I am just SO frustrated...had to get that off my chest!

7 replies
harleyjo Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
harleyjo Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 1:20pm
post #2 of 8

Sorry about your situation. I work in the health care profession, and all I can tell you is the squecky wheel gets the attention. Don't stop fighting. You're in the right.

m0use Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
m0use Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 1:24pm
post #3 of 8

Keep calling and make sure you get seen!!!!

Ray75 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Ray75 Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 1:36pm
post #4 of 8

Maybe they get too many people claiming to have back issues in order to get pain meds??? That's probably why they also wanted the other dr. to send a referral, to make sure your legit? Being that you are in need of their services don't let them push you around!

shelbur10 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
shelbur10 Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 4:09pm
post #5 of 8

Well, they finally decided to see me and I have an appt in two weeks for a 'consultation'. Now I'm wondering if I made a mistake calling this doctor, when they are obviously so reluctant to treat me.

Maybe I'm just being hard to please today!

cakesbyjess Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cakesbyjess Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 5:24pm
post #6 of 8

Shellie ... I'm sorry that you've had to go through all of this. I agree with others that maybe this is just a very good facility, and they probably get way more inquiries (and requests for pain meds from drug seekers) than they can handle. I'm glad that you were able to get an appointment ... hope it goes well! Please keep up updated!!! ((((HUGS))))

shelbur10 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
shelbur10 Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 6:09pm
post #7 of 8

Well, if their new patient survey is any indication, they are very thorough... they just faxed me 6 pages to complete!!
Thanks for the good thoughts, everyone. Here's hoping they have something good to tell me!

lil_mama06 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
lil_mama06 Posted 12 Jun 2007 , 10:26pm
post #8 of 8

I hope you get seen quickly..And they have some answers for you..Sorry your hurting soo bad..My step mom had some ruptured discs and she was in HORRIBLE pain..Take care..deb

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%