Community Chat

[FranandZoe]

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@ALRATIBA wrote:

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.

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It's true when you're in a bigger city things are different - I'm close to Pittsburgh - lots of options.  Lots of great health care.

[On It]

The doctor in question may have had his practice purchased by a corporation which is setting parameters for the practice. That includes time in the exam room, increased number of patients, responding to patient phone or email inquiries, and decreasing the length of time between follow up visits. They are emphasizing the bottom line, not patient care.

It happened to my doctor, and we are searching for a better situation.

[Trailrun23]

I have definitely seen a difference between how those who are on plain Medicare and those who also have a supplement or advantage plan. I had a dr tell me when I was 60 that since I was "so elderly" he would have to change my meds,  since I would no longer  be able to metabolize them properly. I congratulated him for being the first person to call me "so elderly". He turned beet-red but I think he got my point. 
Unfortunately, my dr and DH's pcp both retired after many years of excellent care. It is sI hard finding someone new. Many drs in our area are not even taking new patients right now. 

[Porcelain]

Just be grateful while you still have it. Get as much medical care completed and paid for as you can this year. Have alternate funds ready for your healthcare for the next several years. Bumpy ride ahead for retirees. Please do not be shocked and unprepared later. The unthinkable happens daily these days.

[Liamsworld]

I understand this completely and I've also felt like this since having to switch to Medicare (and Medicaid) due to an unexpected disability. Like you, I had impeccable health coverage thru an outstanding co I worked for 26+ yrs, I immediately felt some sort of shift. To make it less uncomfortable I've opted to telahealth appts. It's probably nothing and all in my head but I totally understand what you're saying.. 

[millieshops]

@qvcaddition    Your gastro gave you a different message than mine gave me when he scheduled me for my last colonoscopy. His strong recommendation to me was that because the anesthesia becomes more dangerous  and there's increased chances of a puncture wound in an old intestine, he would not chose another ROUTINE screening colonoscopy.   

He left it open for my having another one if I developed symptoms.  I was 78 when we did the consulting appointment, but 79 for the actual procedure.    When he came to the recovery room as I was waking, he immediately assured me I was free of any signs of disease, but he repeated his belief that I shouldn't undergo another unless my body functions changed.

I was insulted and didn't feel he put me out to pasture to eat my way into oblivion.

[spent2much]

@Kalli I'm SO sorry that this has been your experience.  I have Medicare and a supplemental plan and I haven't had any problems.  I live in CT.  If you're able, you might want to switch doctors.

[FranandZoe]

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@millieshops wrote:

@qvcaddition    Your gastro gave you a different message than mine gave me when he scheduled me for my last colonoscopy. His strong recommendation to me was that because the anesthesia becomes more dangerous  and there's increased chances of a puncture wound in an old intestine, he would not chose another ROUTINE screening colonoscopy.   

He left it open for my having another one if I developed symptoms.  I was 78 when we did the consulting appointment, but 79 for the actual procedure.    When he came to the recovery room as I was waking, he immediately assured me I was free of any signs of disease, but he repeated his belief that I shouldn't undergo another unless my body functions changed.

I was insulted and didn't feel he put me out to pasture to eat my way into oblivion.

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Why were you insulted?  Sounds like he was really looking out for you.  

[sunshine45]

my mom is on medicare.

she prefers to see the doctor, but they always give her the nurse practitioner.

she definitely has to fight with them to schedule a DOCTORS appointment.

they are also slow with her prescription refills and she often has to follow up on those when her pharmacy tells her they only sent them 2 prescriptions instead of 3 or more.

[Carmie]

Medicare does not usually pay a lower fee than most insurance companies.  The fact is, other health insurers following the Medicare UCR fee allowance.

Of course, there are exceptions for some procedures.

More likely, some doctors just push older people off and can't be bothered.  Speak up!