Posted by Marie1 on July 1, 2001, at 10:55:02
In reply to Locating Psychiatrists, posted by PaulB on June 29, 2001, at 17:33:26
Interesting you should ask - I was curious about the UK system because some people who have posted here make it seem relatively hopeless and there is no "shopping around" as we do here. The thing about finding a competent pdoc here in the states (in my experience) is you have more chances if you can afford to pay out of pocket. As Kazoo stated, most HMOs will only pay for the docs who agree to accept payment which is about 60% of the going fee (about $130.00 - $150.00/hr. in my area). I tried going the HMO route originally but became extremely frustrated when their doctors either didn't return my call or weren't taking new patients. Being suicidal at the time, I finally just called a local pdoc (I live in a small town outside of D.C., but there seem to be plenty of shrinks - go figure!! < g > and apparently I lucked out. I think my pdoc is enormously talented and he is helping me. I pay out of pocket and occasionally my HMO chips in - after much begging, groveling, etc. So basically, if you can afford it, good care is relatively easy to find here, especially if you live in a major urban sprawl or suburb.
Marie
poster:Marie1
thread:6925
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010628/msgs/6969.html