I mentioned yesterday that I had to go to the gastroenterologist today and that I was going to find out about an IBS-D medication because the doctor that did my colonoscopy (as I discovered) was a surgeon and didn't do the clinical side of medicine (for whatever reason). So, I made the ride down to the south end of Gadsden (an hour away), sat in his office and filled out (and signed) four pages of information) then sat for an hour and a half waiting to be seen. I had gotten there a half hour early for my appointment besides this.
After seeing four people who had come in well after me being ushered in, I finally told the receptionist that I wanted to know why. She told me that I would be next. I (snottily, I admit) that if I weren't, I was outta there! So, about four minutes after that, I was ushered into an exam room. I sat for 10 minutes and then the PA came in and asked me to explain why I was there (already answered on the forms) but I complied. I tried to explain why my doctor had referred me and she went out to inquire from the doctor if he wanted me to have a blood test to eliminate the possibility that my IBS-D was caused by celiac disease. Another wait of almost 15 minutes this time. THEN....THEN.....the nurse comes in and says the doctor wants me to convey this message to MY regular doctor. Get this!!!!
*Since HE had not done my colonoscopy, I was not entitled to a second opinion!* I was floored. That was not the reason I was there. I told the Nurse Practitioner that he was not familiar with the medications nor the possible side effects and that was why he sent me to a specialist. I was just FURIOUS!!!! I told the nurse that he had better not bill Medicare for this visit and that I was going to write to Medicare to be sure that they turned down any bill that might be submitted as well as WHY. I plan on calling my doctor tomorrow to pass along the message as well as tell him that any referrals to that doctor would be a major disservice to his patients. I'm still shaking four hours after returning home every time I think of it. Can you imagine???
I'm really not in a good enough mood to write any more tonight so forgive me if I end this early. I really do love you all and will leave you with just this thought. Imagine how awful it would be if you never got to talk to someone again that you care about. Just think about that. ***Hugs***
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDelete