Those on Medicare

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

Just looking for responses if you care to do so ...

I always had great health coverage when I worked. After retiring and going on Medicare I've had 2 health issues in the last 6 months which I don't feel were treated promptly or correctly. Both times I was telling the healthcare folks something was wrong and they weren't listening. Both times, I was correct in what I thought was going on and they totally discounted it.

My question is: If you're on Medicare, do you feel you're no longer important enough to be given a timely appt because they don't get enough reimbursement for you as for those who are under 65 and are not on Medicare but have other insurance?? (sorry for the run-on sentence)

**What do you do when you're absolutely desperate for treatment, can't get a timely appt and no one will listen to you?

**What do you do when time goes on and your situation keeps getting worse?

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

FortunateIy, I haven't had your experience. I would go to urgent care/emergency room if I need immediate treatment.

fingerlakesny · ‎11-13-2010

All of my health care providers treat me the same, nothing has changed because I am now on Medicare. The only thing different, is that a couple of my doctors retired and they are having a hard time replacing them. It now takes longer to get appointments because the other doctors had to absorb their patients. I live in a very rural area. Maybe it is different in a city. I don't know.

qvcaddition · ‎03-10-2010

I have had to fight for my B12 shots. Because I am elderly, my Dr. said they do not want to give certain test for cancer like colonoscoy and a few others, because at your mine age, you will pass before the cancer gets aggresivive.

I still fight for everything because it's my right. Eventually my Dr. gives in rather than my ranting and raving.

As elderly we are disposable in this country, because I was told we don't contribute anymore.

Well, my test are coming through.

FranandZoe · ‎03-09-2010

I can't imagine health care providers treating Medicare patients differently. They choose to accept Medicare.

If you're with the same provider that you had when you were working and you feel you're being treated differently maybe try talking to the dr or office manager. Ask them about it. You can also file a complaint or appeal with Medicare.

Or maybe you need to change doctors.

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

I went on Medicare October 2020.

No complaints from me so far. Fortunately, I haven't had to go to the doctor very often at all, but have experienced no difference in scheduling or level of treatment.

In February, 2021, out of nowhere, I got a severe cramp in my leg. I called an orthopedist and they got me in that afternoon. When I got there, before they x-ray'd , I told them I thought it might be a blood clot. They said nah, no way. X-rays were negative for anything bone related.

While they were doing the X-rays, they called an ultrasound facility up the street who got me in right then. Yep, as I suspected, blood clot, a huge one. They sent me to the hospital for admission, I was admitted and treated. Stayed there for 3 nights.

Absolutely no complaints about Medicare from me so far.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

shoesnbags · ‎03-10-2010

@Kalli

I've been on regular Medicare with a supplement for years now and haven't noticed any difference in how I'm treated.

If I was not getting the care I feel that I need, I would see a different doctor. I definitely wouldn't let it just go on and keep getting worse. But my answer to your question is a definite NO.

"Breathe in, breathe out, move on." Jimmy Buffett

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

No changes for us. Excellent doctors and care.

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

@deepwaterdotter wrote:
FortunateIy, I haven't had your experience. I would go to urgent care/emergency room if I need immediate treatment.

@deepwaterdotter I did try Urgent Care. They misdiagnosed my situation and consequently it got worse because time ticked by as we sought treatment for what I thought it really was.

It's in the Pet Lovers forum under My Nightmare but I caution you, it's long and not a nice topic to read about.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

I've been on Medicare for 12 years (primary with a secondary covereage via retiement benefit)

I can just go on "my chart" and make appointments.

A few years ago - my doc referred me to specialist ... I had to wait until specialist came back from vacation. Other than that - no issues whatsoever.

BUT - I'm in NYC - lots of doctors and hospitals. There are walk-in urgent care (Doc-in-a-box) offices that are great for something urgent, that's not an emergency.