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What would you do? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago by Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.world to c/casualconversation@piefed.social

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Kinda looking for advice or maybe an unethical tip or something.

[America] I need to see a specialist, but they need me to get a referral. I have an appointment scheduled with a primary care doc, but it's not until fucking July.

The urgent care here has turned me away because they (and I quote) "don't deal with conditions that have been ongoing for more than a week or two."

I don't know if I can get a referral from an ER, but I really would rather not go that route and waste their time and mine.

So... What would you do? What should I do? Anyone willing to give me a referral?

I guess for a little more info, I am positive I need to see this specialist. I've had this disease for almost ten years and I'm currently being seen by the most unavailable and uncaring VA guy there is. VA won't give me a referral to an outside specialist because it costs money and they think they have it covered. But that doc isn't listening to me and the last few months have been absolute hell trying to deal with some issues this has created.

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[–] OwOarchist@pawb.social 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)

You can try frequently calling your doctor's office and asking if they have any cancellations. That way, if you get lucky, you might get seen much sooner than July, as long as you're willing to go there on a moment's notice.

It sounds like you're in the VA system? That's notoriously slow, especially for low-priority patients who have a low disability percentage. And I'm guessing they won't pay for a specialist if they didn't refer you to that specialist. Do you have any other coverage? Any other doctors you could go see? Is it possible you qualify for Medicaid?

If necessary, you might try medical tourism. Go to a country where medical care is cheap and see a specialist there, out of pocket. The trip and the doctor combined may still be significantly cheaper than seeing an American doctor.

[–] Stowaway@midwest.social 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Could also check for doctors outside your normal area to attempt to get a referral. Depending o. What the need is and if you can provide records, you may be able to get a video call with a telemedicine doctor. They may be able to make a referal.

[–] Suck_on_my_Presence@lemmy.world 1 points 1 month ago

Oh good call. I'll try this for sure