Medical Big Problems With Doctor.

[rightkindofme]

I have been having major issues with a large HMO in the US. (That means a managed health care system as opposed to me being able to see any doctor I want while paying everyone individually.) My general practitioner had to give me every referral and he was not real willing to do so. He would stall me and not want to send me for other testing/procedures.

When I finally got him to send me for a test he didn't tell me in advance what the test was and he didn't give me any preparation documentation. I went in for the test I was turned away because I wasn't ready. I got angry and I cursed. As a result I have now been served with a restraining order and I get to go to court.

I'm glad that restraining orders exist as a legal device. I think they are important.

I'm feeling very upset that this doctor can first block my access to medical care then serve me with a restraining order that means I am not even allowed to go into the hospital facility.

I'm not allowed to get angry about doctors treating me badly or I deserve to be arrested. But no one wants to prosecute the people who beat and raped me.

Right now it doesn't feel like the world is very fair.

 

[Friday]

It's not fair, hands down.

I always knew that, but used to try and make my corner of it, at least, a little better. The world may not be fair, that's why here... In this house, we strive for justice. To me fair & just are synonymous. (Instead of fair & equal).

I'm kinda teetering on the brink of going back to doing that again, or saying f*ck the world and everyone in it and going to live alone on a beach somewhere. Only thing stopping me is that it wouldn't be the first time I've chosen homeless & leave me the f*ck alone, and it's a pain in the ass restarting.

So for now... Don't let the bastards grind you down
Illegitimi non carborundum

 

[Changing4Best]

I don't blame you for feeling that way and I am sorry that this happened to you, how insane! I imagine that it was something like that you were supposed to be fasting for a blood test and your Dr. who sent you for it did not tell you that? I always get papers from my Dr. when I am sent for any test. The papers tell me of any preparations that are to be made for the test.

In my opinion, the original Dr. who sent you for the test was negligent in not giving you the proper paperwork, nor giving you any at all! However, you would not be able to sue him, because you vented your upset upon the wrong individual(s) unfortunately. This is a common thing that we PTSDers do, get angry on the spot, even though the person(s) we vent this on are not at fault (though someone else is).

I believe that as we progress in our treatment, we learn not to do this. I also believe a person can learn from their mistakes.

Can you petition to get the restraining order lifted? If so, when?? Is there a way to rectify the situation, or are you not even allowed to contact them by writing them a letter of apology and explaining the above in it as well? I guess my other question is, can you change Drs.? In other words, can you get a different one than the jerk who set this into motion?

 

[Seasounds]

I'm sad to hear that you are having such difficulties, during a time of needing help. I don't know what test you were asked to take; I can just guess that it was a urine or serum drug test? And I don't know the protocol, for the Provider giving you advance warning for a test. Additionally, I don't understand how a Provider can block your care from a hospital. Is that really true? I would think that either the police or the Emergency Department would, legally, have to make sure that you got care, in an urgent situation.

From what I've seen, there are politics in every situation. Especially if you are "the customer", Providers can decide to deny treatment, if they perceive that you are verbally abusive, and are, potentially (anyone can make a case for that, or not), a threat.

Given the situation, it may be helpful, to be absolutely kind, considerate, patient, consistent, and honest, with each and every staff member that you come into contact with, in a medical facility. Building trust, and giving respect, would be my goal, while I seek medical help. With all that you have shared, even plan on being questioned, and doubted, due to the actions that the Provider has taken. Having a friend come with you, to appointments, can be helpful.

Meanwhile, perhaps you can find a calm place, animal, or person, to be with.

 

[rightkindofme]

I'm hiring a lawyer.

I was supposed to get a colonoscopy which involves three days of eating no fiber then a day of liquids only followed by laxatives and enemas. Kind of a big deal to not tell me about.

I will have to go to court next week. I can seek medical care at a different hospital but not the one where he works. Glad I'm changing insurance plans.

 

[TLight]

Yea...sounds like the ptsd rage kicked in. Not that it wasn't justified, just probably could have been handled in a different manner, such as a formal complaint to the facility he works at and to the medical board.

I've gone through similar things with docs, fortunately I've been able to control my rage until I left, knowing that I'd be the one up shit creek if I didn't and I sure don't need any more trouble than I have.

Lesson learned. Move on and don't go back there and try to not let the rage take over in public I guess.

 

[Intrepid]

When I was in the hospital after my first major breakdown, I couldn't sleep. I told one of the attendants that what had happened to me wasn't fair. She agreed, which totally shocked me. She said that there are a lot of thinks that happen that aren't fair.

But I don't have to roll over. Give um hell!

 

[Seasounds]

You may save energy, by going to another institution. It does sound like your Provider, through his/her action, was basically saying, they didn't want to treat you. Sadly, Providers do have the right to not treat, when they know other options are available. Ethically, you should've been referred.

To share your grief, my PCP, painfully scorned and shamed me, when I have said that I suffer from PTSD-I look 'oh so normal' on the outside. However, ten years ago, when, after joining the work force, that escalated my triggers exponentially, I ended up working with a psychiatrist, who, as it happens, was a colleague that my PCP trained with, in general residency. At my recent PCP visit, (FYI we get along famously except for PTSD so I hadn't mentioned it for years to my PCP) when my PCP found out that i work with a psychiatrist, my PCP had to 'eat crow'.

Seeking help with empathy helps. Also, in my state, Providers have access to all drugs (opiates, benzodiazepines, etc.) that have been prescribed for a patient. So, honesty is everything. And, the calmer, and more logical, that you make your case, the better for you, even if you are withdrawing, or needing more medication, due to PTSD. Good luck!

 

[scout86]

I got angry and I cursed.

That's ALL you did and they filed a restraining order? I could see a restraining order if you had screamed, yelled, thrown things, and threatened to come back with a gun. But for expressing your justifiable displeasure with objectionable language? They must be a very sensitive crew who live very sheltered lives.

Good luck with the lawyer!

 

[TLight]

Agree Scout!

 

[RussH]

The way I understand HMOs, the doctors, PCP, are encouraged to save the insurance company money by limiting the number of test they order, or referrals they make, and if they hit their numbers, then the insurance companies will pay the Doctor a bonus.
It sounds like your Doctor likes getting his bonus.
I would find another Doctor.

 

[rightkindofme]

Open enrollment for insurance was this month. Will find new doctor January 1.