Wellness

[qbetzforreal]

My HMO does this, if it's been awhile since your last visit with a specialist, then a new referral has to be generated.

[rockygems123]

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@evergreen wrote:

I called my Urologist recently and was told he wasn't accepting new patients. I explained that he was my Urologist for many years.  I was told that I hadn't been in to the practice for 3 years that I was no longer considered an active patient.  I wasn't aware that I had to see the doctor even if I didn't have a problem.  Nobody sent any informaation regarding this new policy.  

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@evergreen 

That just sounds awful.  I'm sorry this happened to you however I'm glad you brought it up.  With others chiming in with similar situations, had no idea this was a thing.

[Zhills]

It happened to me also.  I just had to fill out all the info sheets again.

I think the new medical programs might be programmed to "delete" you after 3 years, or it could be that ALL your medical records need updating in 3 years.  Especially after 75.

[Kachina624]

@evergreen    I've heard this from/about doctors in my area also.  My dermatologist told me I was a new patient even though she performed surgery on me about 5 years ago.  She did see me, however.

[Citrine1]

What an awful way for a human being to be treated.  This world, and everything in it, continues to go rapidly downhill.  

[Desertdi]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

@evergreen    I've heard this from/about doctors in my area also.  My dermatologist told me I was a new patient even though she performed surgery on me about 5 years ago.  She did see me, however.

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@Kachina624     My derm also told me that they need CURRENT info on any "new" illnesses, allergies, etc.   YEAH YEAH YEAH....they probably want to do a new credit-check, too (!!)

[Franklinbell]

Just a thought...that may not be a new policy. It could be that policy was in effect when you became a patient and signed that new patient paperwork. I found that out when I was given a copy of a policy I signed a while ago. Also, insurance companies play a huge role in practice management. It can be mind boggling sometimes!

[Love my grandkids]

I honestly don't blame docs. With so many people looking for a doctor, why give preference to someone who hasn't been seen in 3 years?

I made sure I saw my PCP this year just for a general checkup precisely for this reason.

[hckynutjohn]

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@evergreen wrote:

I called my Urologist recently and was told he wasn't accepting new patients. I explained that he was my Urologist for many years.  I was told that I hadn't been in to the practice for 3 years that I was no longer considered an active patient.  I wasn't aware that I had to see the doctor even if I didn't have a problem.  Nobody sent any informaation regarding this new policy.  

@evergreen 

One of my doctor friends, that is a Specialist, told me this. Other than your PCP, many specialists expect existing patients, that have sought them out, because their issue required their specialty! To see them on at least a bi-annual basis, liking it to, keep following up on their original issue.

Many feel if it was serious enough to need their speciality, they would expect their patient to check in on some sort of regular basis.

When I first saw my Cardiologist a few months ago, they had me fill out all the paperwork, as if I were a new patient. I have been seeing him since he started his practice in early 1980.

I told him about and he said the other doctors, now in practice with him, think heart patients should see them at least once a year. This as opposed to seeing them, only when they feel a serious problem once again has risen.

This is from my own personal experience, with my long time Heart Doctor. And with another that is a friend, who also did 1 of my 2 back surgeries. His specialty is in Spinal Micro Surgery.

hckynut  🇺🇸

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[skatting44]

 Doctor appointments  for conditions that are " deemed medically " Urgent "  should be given priority  no matter  . I do believe that prior patients should not be put in a new patient category . The Doctors made plenty of money on you as a patient when you were being treated . That's probably why  most have now gone to seeing new patients first because they can usually get 3 visits out of each new patient .

 I've had  two occassions where I was placed in a  " new patient  category  " after receiving care for more than 5 yrs , but had  not needed follow up for  more than 3 yrs.