Posted by fires on March 24, 2005, at 10:38:50
In reply to Re: Finding a pdoc, posted by Bill LL on March 24, 2005, at 8:48:05
> My experience is that pdocs are the only physician specialty in the US that does not take insurance (with few exceptions). But it makes sense. Other specialties bill for a wide variety of services where they can play around with the billings to make more money. They can also bill a full amount for visits even if they only see you for 3 or 4 minutes.
>
> Pdocs, on the other hand, have to bill psychotherapy codes that go by actual time. So they can't just see you for 3 or 4 minutes and bill for a code that specifies 45 minutes.
>
> Most prescriptions for antidepressants are written by non-pdocs such as internists, GP's, and OB-GYN's. They are very experienced with these drugs. Unless you need psychotherapy, or you want a second opinion with your meds, you don't have to see a pdoc.
>
> > I can't believe it. I live near a major US metro area with several teaching U. hospitals. I can't find a pdoc who takes my PPO insurance.
> >
> > I can see a resident, but that didn't work well last time. I was recently referred to a pdoc, but he doesn't take insurance. Another isn't taking new patients. Another doesn't have any appointment openings until May. (Those are all about 30 miles from my home).
> >
> > Closer to home, I can't find out much about any pdocs.
> >
> > Anyone have any unique ideas for finding a good pdoc?
> >My other docs sent me to pdoc, because they know they are in over their heads. Now my current pdoc has told me some very questionable "facts":
My med reactions are psychosomatic; 300 mg of Wellbutrin can't trigger mania; (the others escape me at the moment).
Thanks
poster:fires
thread:474694
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050322/msgs/474923.html