Today makes two weeks since the hoop-jumping commenced. I did as I was required; saw my PCP to get an oncology referral (even though my insurance knows I have cancer).
My PCP claims they called me to say the referral was approved and to call the oncologist. That was pure fabrication. I only found out, because I called a week after the appointment since I hadn’t heard anything.
This past Monday, I called the oncologist’s office and was told they hadn’t even reviewed the file yet. They couldn’t tell me how long it would take for the doctor to review the file to see if she could even treat me. She only reviewed files in between seeing patients.
Now my PCP was told I was having anemia symptoms, yet she didn’t flag the file with any urgency. She put it through as a basic referral. This is the problem with using a PCP for conditions they don’t treat. If they are to facilitate care, then listening to the patient would be a good place to start. If the patient deems the situation as an issue, then the doctor has an obligation to process that information accordingly; especially if they are symptomatic.
My energy levels are falling. Day to day life is becoming more and more challenging (again). Yet, I sit and wait because the medical profession has no sense of urgency. I’ve upped my caffeine intake and back to taking naps the second I get home from work.
When will doctors get a clue they are messing with people’s health by their lack of concern. They aren’t battling a life-threatening disease. They aren’t waiting in limbo to see if the cancer has spread or new cancer has emerged. They have all the time in the world (at this point).
Yet, I and so many like me, are dependent on a broken system that doesn’t value life. This is our reality. We struggle, we worry, we pray and we just wait.
Even though I’m not in the same battle, I get it. I’ve been battling doctors for answers and being shoved to the side. Had to take matters into my own hands and seek help but now need a medical professional involved. I’ve been turned down for appointments because the see me as “not a good fit.” What’s up with that? I guess they don’t value patients and caring for them, they’re just valuing the almighty dollar instead.
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Yup…I’ve been told the same. If their bio says they handle certain diseases then they shouldn’t get to deny care; which is essentially what they are doing. The patient needs to decide if the doctor is a good fit; not the doctor. They are paid either way. The reason they deny care is because they can’t make enough off the patient for it to be worth their time/effort. How’s that for them holding up their oath?
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