I recently moved across country to take a new job. My new home is in a rural part of California. Moving can always be stressful and across country even more so.
One of the tasks in moving is to find new healthcare professionals. When you live in one location for a long time as I did, you tend to take your doctor for granted. You know their peculiarities and more importantly, they know yours.
Finding a new doctor is a chore I have put off. I asked around for good recommendations but everyone said the same thing - "go to clinic x" it's the only place around. Unfortunately for me, I do need to take medication for a pretty common ailment for someone my age. Procrastinating on the healthcare search just doesn't cut it anymore.
I expected bad news when I called the clinic. My big fear was they would not be accepting new patients. That was not the case. They are accepting new patients as long as you are not a "pain patient". Hmm, okay well I have had two back surgeries and do suffer from chronic pain, but I'm not doctor shopping so I told the receptionist person that I did not consider myself a pain patient. She then told me that if I wanted to, I could make an appointment and have a physical performed by a practitioner (clearly not a doctor). The results, including full lab workup, would be reviewed by the doctor(s). At that point, if they decided to see me, based on Christ knows what criteria, they would select the doctor they felt was base.
There are many complaints about our healthcare system and I find almost all of them valid. But I never thought the hippocratic oath included patient selection based on unknown criteria. The doctors at this clinic are General Practitioners, not specialists. Exactly what would disqualify me from their practice I wonder?
Truth be told, I will never find out if I qualify for clinic x. The thought of having to pay significant money (i.e. high deductibles and copays) only to be rejected was nauseating. I am sick and tired. Sick of this dumbass elitist attitude that doctors take regarding patients. It's almost like they assume I am a criminal or something.
So now I am still looking for a doctor. It appears I will have to travel 50 miles one way to see one. At least I will not have to play the role of good patient just to get care.
I know this diary may seem petty. But I am sick and tired of our f***** up healthcare system. It costs way too much for lousy care and no Goddammit, I don't have "choices" that those socialist countries deprive of their citizens. Mr. Obama I beg you, dump the insurance companies and adopt single payer healthcare with doctors that are required by law to see ALL Patients. That really does not seem like too much to ask.