quote:

Originally posted by shovelhead:
Have you asked your Cardiologist if he will he act as your primary care Physician?

I like my cardiologist very much, but, this year, the practice he is part of was bought out by one of the hospital chains and the place suddenly turned into a "you have to wear a mask at all times" psycho ward. Bottom line, I'd rather not visit there except for annual checkups, until they calm down.

As others have stated what you are seeing is normal and it makes things a pain. My Dr. retired a number of years back and in looking around it was a pain to find an actual doctor all were Nurse Practitioners or PAs. Luckily thanks to a member on Sigforum I have the best Doctor hands down one could ask for. My wife became a patient shortly after and he promptly found an issue that went undiagnosed for years by her doctor. That could have been much more problematic down the line.

Hopefully things can get sorted out for you without much strife.

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:
Routine colonoscopy should be covered 100% as well, but I'm not entirely sure since I haven't had one.

Well, I had one in December, 2013, and it wasn't 100% covered. If that's changed since then, that's good news for me.

It appears to be complicated. It's supposed to be covered 100%, but if a polyp is found and removed many insurance companies want you to cost share the "treatment" part of the procedure. The government countered some of this because they consider polyps removal to be part of the colonoscopy. But then the insurance companies decided that if you ever have a polyp removed, future colonoscopies are not preventive anymore, but monitoring for treatment of a known condition. Guess they will try to get whatever they can get, and if you don't agree with it you can appeal.

I had this issue with cholesterol. Once you have high cholesterol and are taking a statin, the annual blood check is no longer "preventive".

Interesting. My 1st colonoscopy was 3 years ago as I was having some issues polyp was located and removed. Symptoms pretty much disappeared. I was charged nothing. Was put on the 3 year plan had my 2nd colonoscopy last month and 2 more polyps were removed, once again I was charged nothing. Being it was just starting the new year normally I would have to spend my $2500 deductible but Anthem still considered it preventative and covered it 100%

I got new doc when we moved to TX in 2018. First visit was a physical and we talked about my issues based on the papers they emailed to me. I also brought my stroke stuff to the visit.

Physical was free(100% insurance) and each year after the blood work ups is included in the annual physical. He asked about my hearing issues and I told him that was on the VA, and he said good have at ‘em (he was a navy corpsman before becoming a doc), the brain doc I see is in the same system and I always include and inform regular doc of brain docs stuff.

But yeah, I’d expect a new doc to do the same as my experience…and I’d expect a colonoscopy due to age and time since last one. But you can always tell them no.

I have learned hat most people can’t say NO…if you don’t want the test, or can’t afford it now just tell him and see if there’s a substitute that can be done.

Para,

Sorry to hear of your issues. I’m fortunate enough to have very good but also expensive medical insurance overage through my now-retired wife’s group plan. We’re both in our mid-70s so medical coverage is increasingly important.

About 2 years ago we moved to our hopefully retirement home and needed new PCPs. We took a friend’s recommendation. Although I felt absolutely fine except for some minor age-related aches and pains, our new PCP ordered a full battery of tests to get a baseline on our health. I was skeptical but agreed.

Good thing - the tests showed I had serious blood issues. Was quickly referred to a Hemotologist who ran the whole battery of tests and discovered I have a rare form of bone marrow cancer closely related to leukemia. Although not curable, it has proven to be manageable so far. Get weekly blood tests to closely monitor blood chemistry and three drug injections each week to help growth of red and white blood cells. The cell counts aren’t getting better but they’re also not getting worse. I’m tolerating the disease well and able to live good life.

My point is that although I resisted the initial tests, having them saved my life and gives me more time with my family. As uncomfortable as this may be for you for many reasons, I encourage you to be open to the tests suggested. It could make all the difference.

Very Best wishes to you from all of us!!

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:

quote:

Originally posted by Lefty Sig:
Routine colonoscopy should be covered 100% as well, but I'm not entirely sure since I haven't had one.

Well, I had one in December, 2013, and it wasn't 100% covered. If that's changed since then, that's good news for me.

One thing I was cautioned about that saved me some headache. Verify up front that everyone associated with said colonoscopy is IN NETWORK. Anesthesiologist don't like to play in network. I did my due diligence, asked that everyone including the anesthesiologist was in. Surprise, Surprise guess who shows up out of network on the EOB. To the tune of $2000.
Fortunately I had good notes on my verification conversation and the out of network charge went away after a conversation with the provider.

I had two surgeries last year, one emergency and one scheduled. I had a few CT's, an MRI, lots of bloodwork, the whole nine. The bills added up fast but they were all too happy to set up an interest free payment plan. Don't neglect your health because money is tight. They will work with you on getting your deductible paid off.

I can’t answer your questions, or provide any guidance, as my situation is wholly different.

But you have my best wishes and prayers for a good outcome.

I found a good time saver and it helps with the physical is to have your blood work done ahead of time.

I try to go in a couple of days early to have it done.

My doctor's practice has an in-house blood lab and 90% of the results are available the next morning.

He has my results on hand when he does the physical.

Also, learn how to negotiate a medical bill.

This article is a good start.

https://www.cnbc.com/select/ho...tiate-medical-bills/

I have found some real errors in the past and really reduced the bill.

As one of the other docs pointed out - the patients symptoms need to be identified, then the appropriate tests ordered. This is where “old school” listens to the patient, develops a differential diagnosis and proceeds to the work up.
You describe bladder/prostrate/pelvis as the location. I remember you being hospitalized and offline for awhile —- cardiac.
Typically, the need to see a doctor urgently is either pain, blood in the urine or blood in the stool.
Need to drill down on your symptoms, identify what meds you are on, any new meds that can interact, etc.
I can also be available for discussion of your symptoms if you desire.

Appears that you have a lot of excellent help here. I don’t have much to add other than look for referrals from those you trust, and get help asap. My father got sepsis from diverticulitis.

No joke brother. You have our thoughts and prayers.

re: " had hoped to get out of this existence without ever having had another man fondle my balls."

That's what kept me out of the hemmie ward longer....until unable to put up with the increasing symptoms.

I was advised the New Doctor had an opening That Very Afternoon. Turned out she was a red-head.

Surgery went very well.

quote:

Originally posted by SIGfourme:
I can also be available for discussion of your symptoms if you desire.

Thanks very much.

para, ISTR having to go through the "initial consultation" thing with our last doc--and that was several years ago. Lately, his practice changed hands and my new doc did the same thing.

When I recently re-visted my old periodontist, after not having seen him for years: Same thing. (That actually ended-up being three visits before any actual work was done: Initial consultation, exam [with lots of x-rays], exam follow-up consultation to decide plan-of-action. [I know that seems like a lot of BS, but he's a very good perio doc .])

The Doctor I started to see after I moved to Yoop came highly recommended. But his waiting room and the process to actually get in to see him was like Dantes Inferno. So I switched Doctors to one who had a much easier process to get in the door.
But... When I go in to see him, he spends about two minutes with me and then tells me to get myself hence to the Lab for many tests. After the tests are done.... Nothing. No follow up. I call his office to see if I am at deaths door and the office staff tells me the Doc will be in contact if the tests are bad enough to warrant any kind of further action. Happened twice so far. I get the impression that I just dont rate any kind of care. Maybe thats good? Who knows? Needless to say, I am looking for a better Doctor.

Trained in internal med and pedi, but other than a very brief stint in primary care pedi, all my practice have been in emergency medicine early on, then urgent care and occupational med. So, not much I can offer in terms of administrative stuff. And, several docs have already offer you their specialized ears. So, really no reasons for me to crowd the wagon, although my ears are always open. All I will say is, hope you get things sorted out and receive the definitive treatment sooner than later.

And, I know you don't need me to tell you this, but I'll say anyway. If your symptoms are severe enough, please head to the ER. Praying for you, sir.

****Once again I didn't read the entire thread before posting, exactly what sig2392 said..... ( I need to learn to slow down )****

One of the first things that my doctor does is to order lab work. Happily the results come back with one or two days and I will get an email about anything concerning and a follow up appointment if needed.

I now request a nurse appointment a few days prior to my doctor appointment so that my doctor has the latest lab report. We can discuss the findings at the appointment vs. waiting and worrying about what the labs might show.

Stay strong para !

Thank you, 12131, and thanks to all of you for your concern. Like a substantial portion of men, my pride makes it difficult for me to admit that I am all too human. Getting old is not for the faint of heart.

The first Doctor I fired was fired over something like this.

I used to get strep throat every 2 or 3 years when I was younger so I went to see a G.P. to get a prescription and be on my way.

In the exam room he said he wouldn't even check my throat unless I got a complete physical first. I told him that was ridiculous since all I had was strep throat, but he was adamant, so I told him I was done seeing him and found another doctor.

I can't stand being seen as a cash cow for someone.

There are offices/doctors that specialize in physicals. I go to one every 6 months, (required), usually in hospitals that have all the testing on site. Makes it nice because you only need to spend a morning getting everything done. Very thorough and complete physical

quote:

Originally posted by 1flynDO:
I went to MSU in Michigan, proud to be a DO! It was ranked in the top 5 for primary care. The biggest thing I learned and witnessed was to listen to the patient. They will tell you the diagnosis. Then do your physical exam. Then order what you need to confirm.

Yes a lot of docs order more than they need to these days.

My Primary care doc graduated from MI after he moved here from Holland,

haven't seen him in years due to him going Concierge etcetc

I still see his old PA, who I am now reminded to set up a physical with, since it has been Pre Cooties since I have had one,



to relate to Para's OP, my wife swithed doctors a while back,

submit paperwork,
had records transferred
go in for a chat/ look over
blood work
then back for results,

overall easy peasy, but time consuming,

I stayed with the Doctor's Group simply because I liked the PA, and overall the Group,

they did, however, refuse to see me when I had the Cooties last month (to get something besides the store bought test) because I had not been in a few years,