Grandparents Raising Children Support Group
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This is a bit off-topic, but related because it involves Pinky.
She said she must have slept wrong on her hand. She woke up and it is limp. Doesn't hurt, but she can't move it -- it flops downward like a fish. I told her she must have done something to a nerve by sleeping on it.
She called her doctor who said, quite rightly, that he couldn't do anything about it. He told her he could refer her to a neurologist, but why not just go to the ER to get an MRI on the hand, because it would be faster than waiting for an appointment.
I flipped out. I told her, call that doctor back and demand a prescription for an MRI. Then go to the radiology department and get your MRI. I told her she could pick up the script and be at the hospital's radiology department right away.
How DARE that doctor tell her to go to the ER!!!! Even he said it wasn't an emergency. DAGGONE -- it's OUR MONEY Pinky is spending, and thank God she has enough wits left to know that, and care about it.
I mean how much effort is it for the PCP to write a script for an MRI, CAT scan -- whatever he thinks will help diagnose the problem? Pinky never knew you could just waltz into the hospital's radiology department and get whatever you need. She's been conditioned to go to the ER for EVERYTHING -- by her primary care doctors!!!!!
She was actually amazed when I told her she wouldn't have to wait while women in labor, accident victims, etc. were brought in. I told her -- just to to the radiology department and they'll do exactly the same thing the ER would do -- for about ten times less. Then, if there's a problem, the neurologist would review the results. Her primary care doctor recommended surgery, too! Again -- DAGGONE -- what about trying physical therapy first?
Is it because it isn't Pinky's money that they're so eager to use the most expensive treatment first? I can't believe the waste and the inefficiency of the system!!!
What is WRONG with doctors when they're so quickly recommending the ER for a routine MRI???? I thought the whole point of a primary care physician was to avoid unnecessary ER visits? I'm so mad I could spit. And this time I'm not even mad at Pinky!
I'm losing all hope in the healthcare system, and it's having less to do with cost than irresponsibility. Maybe it's just me...
She said she must have slept wrong on her hand. She woke up and it is limp. Doesn't hurt, but she can't move it -- it flops downward like a fish. I told her she must have done something to a nerve by sleeping on it.
She called her doctor who said, quite rightly, that he couldn't do anything about it. He told her he could refer her to a neurologist, but why not just go to the ER to get an MRI on the hand, because it would be faster than waiting for an appointment.
I flipped out. I told her, call that doctor back and demand a prescription for an MRI. Then go to the radiology department and get your MRI. I told her she could pick up the script and be at the hospital's radiology department right away.
How DARE that doctor tell her to go to the ER!!!! Even he said it wasn't an emergency. DAGGONE -- it's OUR MONEY Pinky is spending, and thank God she has enough wits left to know that, and care about it.
I mean how much effort is it for the PCP to write a script for an MRI, CAT scan -- whatever he thinks will help diagnose the problem? Pinky never knew you could just waltz into the hospital's radiology department and get whatever you need. She's been conditioned to go to the ER for EVERYTHING -- by her primary care doctors!!!!!
She was actually amazed when I told her she wouldn't have to wait while women in labor, accident victims, etc. were brought in. I told her -- just to to the radiology department and they'll do exactly the same thing the ER would do -- for about ten times less. Then, if there's a problem, the neurologist would review the results. Her primary care doctor recommended surgery, too! Again -- DAGGONE -- what about trying physical therapy first?
Is it because it isn't Pinky's money that they're so eager to use the most expensive treatment first? I can't believe the waste and the inefficiency of the system!!!
What is WRONG with doctors when they're so quickly recommending the ER for a routine MRI???? I thought the whole point of a primary care physician was to avoid unnecessary ER visits? I'm so mad I could spit. And this time I'm not even mad at Pinky!
I'm losing all hope in the healthcare system, and it's having less to do with cost than irresponsibility. Maybe it's just me...
Like I said....just don't get me started.
You are right. The health care in this country is just plain pitifully run. I often wonder what people did 50 years ago??? I know they didn't run to the doc or ER for everything. :P