I Was So Mad!

Whenever I say that, or even think it, I am reminded of the Little Critter books my sons enjoyed so much in their youth, and that my granddaughters enjoy just as much now. In general, I don't see the point in getting angry. It never resolves anything, and it just serves to escalate most situations. So while I was quite annoyed today, I expressed it in what I thought was the most useful way possible. Here's what happened.

If you've been reading along, you know that I waited nearly three weeks to get a referral for a cardiologist from my primary care doctor. Finally last Thursday -- and I found this out only because I called the cardiologist's office, not because my doctor's office called me -- I learned that the referral was complete and set up an appointment. That appointment was today. I went in with all my paperwork filled out and handed the receptionist my driver's license and insurance card. She made copies of both, and then I noticed that she was studying my insurance card. As it turns out, that cardiologist is not a provider covered under my policy. (This is when I started getting mad, not at the receptionist, but at my doctor's office staff and my insurance company.) Keep in mind that at this point it's been nearly a month since I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with a heart condition.

She whispered that she'd write it up as a hospital follow-up visit, so I was able to see the doctor. I don't really see the point of that since I know little more than I did before the appointment -- other than which further tests I need -- and I won't be able to see this doctor again, unless I'm willing to pay for not only office visits (which would be fine) but also any tests or procedures I may need (which is over my budget). Last week, I called my insurance company, and they assured me that as soon as they got the referral from my doctor's office they'd process it. So now I'm back to square one. Oh, and the worst part -- the only cardiologists who are covered under my insurance are part of a group at the hospital where I had my foot surgery, and where I was treated like a piece of shit on a shoe. You'd better believe I'll be on the phone with the insurance company first thing in the morning. I'll accept the crappy doctors (actually, I've heard that the cardiology department at that hospital is well-regarded) at the crappy facility, but I do not intend to wait another month before I have my tests done. It will be "nice noise", but I'll be making noise until I get what I need.

I've never worked in a doctor's office, but I don't think referrals are rocket science. I know it's a lot to keep up with changing providers and different types of coverage, but this is truly ridiculous. Plus, I would assume that the referral office doesn't do anything else, so they should have it down pat. I have to go back to my doctor's office next week for a recheck on my new blood pressure medication. He's going to hear all about this. And all this nuisance can't be good for either my heart or my blood pressure.