Wouldn't Ya Know
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wow, you guys are good. That's right folks, not ONE psychiatrist on my plan is accepting new patients.
So I have approximately three more months before my doctor closes her practice and then all bets are off.
I know it's early but I'm beginning to freak out a little bit here. My primary doctor said he would prescribe for me, but he's pretty anti benzo so that's gonna be a BIG problem. I really think the only reason I'm not on John Walsh's top ten list is because of benzos......valium, and drugs in the same family, if you're not sure what a benzo is.
So tomorrow, after coffee, the gym, nails and a massage......don't forget the "Diva" here even though we're talking about bipolar, I'm going to begin calling and trying to interview Nurse Practitioners. That pretty much freaks me out to the nth degree. For some reason I seem to think I'd be better off with a psychiatrist, but I know there are NPs out there that are wonderful.
There are six of them on my health plan. Wish me luck or you're going to be hearing a hell of a lot of my shit since you, my friends, will become my therapists. But then at least one of you has to be able to write scripts.
46 comments:
I Know this might sound stupid but what do you even begin to ask all these people to make sure they are right for YOU. People always say interview your doctors and what not but I wouldn't know where to begin. I would love to see a psychiatrist to make me feel even somewhat sane but I don't think I would talk. Lol.
Now if that wasn't confusing enough to read. I do hope you have success in finding someone that real truly give a shit and won't just be there to prescribe more drugs. I hate those kinds of doctors.
I got your back!
Yikes! This is seriously NOT good news. I hope you can come up with a good plan.
I can't write scripts but I do have bi shouldersk, willing ears oh yeah and a bipolar son and I am pretty sure my own mom who of course denies it.. sooo if ya need my number I will shoot ya it via email
My sister is an FNP and she is very knowledgeable and capable of dealing with the general aspects of mental illness. I hope you will find one that is equally capable and caring. NPs often have mental illness in their families so they know how important good care is.
You deserve the best care that a professional can offer and I feel sure you will find it.
When I first started calling to find a psychiatrist they all told me I had at least 2-3 months to wait. Within 2 weeks I had an appointment with my first choice psych. I wonder if it's some convoluted screening process sometimes.
In everything I read here, your reasoning and logic seep pretty solid. If I had a problem, I would feel fine asking you for advice..
Do you need a psychiatrist to write you prescriptions or talk to? Or both?
You would think that at least one doctor would be taking over your doctors patients!! Wishing you so much luck!!
Sorry about this. Good luck in finding someone.
Wow! NO one on your plan is accepting new patients? That would freak me out too! Family doctors just don't "get it", I guess that's why they're family doctors and not psychiatrists, huh?Good luck, I'm sure you'll find someone! Maybe you could travel a bit, or is there nowhere to travel to?
OH man, good luck lady. Insurance is such a pain in the ass.
Good luck on your quest! I guess dialing "Shrinks-R-Us" is out of the question?
Hey, sorry to be a pain but I'm trying to set up a blog that will hopefully give support for people like me who suffer from bipolar disorder.
So basically, it would be much appreciated if you could take a look at my blog ( http://missbeezblog.blogspot.com/ ) and if you think it could be helpful to people then share the address. Thank you for taking the time to read
I hope you can find a new doctor.
We went through this EXACT same problem looking for a new Psyche for our daughter and ended up with a nurse practitioner that is absolutely wonderful. Hope you have the same luck.
my diabetes doctor is a nurse practitioner and I love, love love her. Good luck.
Mike just had to switch to a nurse practitioner because of his insurance change (going to medicare now b/c of the disability) He freaked out about it, but we just met her 2 weeks ago and she seems really nice and thorough. try not to freak out, you may like a NP better!
SB, I usually schedule a consult with them first to get a feel for them and to see if I like them. If I do I keep them on the list and keep doing it until I find one I like best. It's a pain in the ass, but it's worth is.
Karyn,
I know you SO do!
Rob, it's kinda sucky to be sure.
Angel, I ♥ you and I know where to find you, I'm here for you too!
Skepticat;
You give me hope!
Haven;
It's such a frustrating process!
Mark, mainly for the meds. Although my psych said I'd benefit from therapy so I need to find someone that does both. UGH
Kimberly, thank you!
Karen, my fingers are crossed!
Kansas Sunflower;
No, my family doc won't get it. So the search is on!
Brandy, Thank you!
Pat, now THAT's an idea!
Miss C, thank you!
Dazee, that's good to hear. My primary has been so against me seeing one, but I have no alternative. Not sure what his problem is with it though.
Tiffany, I sure hope so. I need someone lined up so I can stop stressing over it!
My daughter sees THE most phenomenal, awesome Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - she has truly changed our lives. We had the same issue - none of the Psychs on my health plan were accepting new patients and I was desperate - but it was the best thing I've ever done. Hands down.
Go find thee an NP!
Pheromone Girl;
Will do! :)
Ah, insurance. Isn't it just the best? Good luck with your search but it doesn't seem quite fair.
Grrr... nothing like adding to the stress end...
I think I would also call my insurance company and let a little of my PSYCHO side out and let them know they should have psychiatrist options that are actually ACCEPTING PATIENTS! *sigh* Do it on one of THOSE DAYS and they'll probably see the NEED to make some changes... (((HUGS)))
I'll sign on as your therapist but I can't write scripts :D However, if you have a follower that CAN may I use them too? I hate p-docs soooo much >.< Although, my current one isn't too bad, but he's a DO rather than an MD...makes him a little more 'whole-body' friendly rather than just treating the crazies.
Yeah I definitely wish you luck on that. Darn insurance carriers and their red tape stuff.
I'll totally be your therapist, Diva. I can't promise I'll make you better and not worse, but if I do make you worse, I'll make you worse but deeply loved.
I think you would rock as my therapist!
Wow. Good luck. We're rooting for you.
But wait - didn't Obama fix all the health care problems???? Best of luck to you, Diva! Hang in there and know we're pulling for you!
Courtney;
It's funny, isn't it, how many doctors are closing their practices these days.....hmmmmm.
Its crazy!!!!!! Insurance is such a double edged sword!! Good luck with your search!!!
My friends are my therapists,too...and man, do I need a therapist. Seriously.
popping in from LBS.
Glad I did !!! :)
Kim
myinnerchick.com
Dear Diva, I am in awe of our willingness to spill all our truths over the page and just own them.
Damn, you're a courageous woman! I'm a big believer in honest writing myself, and you are just all that.
I have a schzioaffective son, and I was once misdiagnosed as bipolar, so I can relate, at least in a limited way to what you are facing.
I am 63, and over the years I have found that my therapist is more valuable to my mental stability than my Shrink. I think of her as my chemist, but my therapist, well, she's down here in the trenches with me. I hope you have a good one to get you through this crisis.
Whew! Sorry for going on and on.
Namaste.........cj
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