Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment

rick137
I am sorry if I sounded scolding.
That was not my intention. It seems so much is put onto the patient when illness prevents what you might normally accomplish.

It took me a year to get out of my Medicare Advantage hostage situation.
Even paying “out of pocket” most doctors won’t see you if you are in an “advantage” set-up.

Of course, when well and only going to a yearly check-up, most people don’t give it a second thought. I know I did not.
And once free, looking for doctors that suit you and your condition is a daunting task.

I hope your appointment goes well.

Please explain your MafiaCare DisAdvantage "hostage" situation.

I got suckered into Advantage and am stuck because there's no way that any self-respecting Medigap program will take a chance on me with all my conditions.

The health insurance industry is a criminal organization. Full stop.

itchyd,
It all gets confusing doesn’t it? Because I’m sick, my husband was stuck with the particulars of getting me out of Kaiser Advantage.
I believe we were able to change our coverage during the open enrollment period that starts in November-December of each year. At that time Medicare allows you to make changes.
So I dropped out of Kaiser and did not choose another “advantage” program, because I want to go wherever I need to go for care.
I now have regular Medicare with secondary coverage through Anthem Blue Cross. It gives more freedom.

This is what I do. I also bring a sheet of paper that summarizes my medications, including OTC; a list of concerns, in order of priority, relevant, concisely written health history and what I do to stay healthy: diet plan, exercise routine, stress management, and sleep hygiene techniques. My daughter, who is a Family Medicine M.D., says this is helpful for the doctor to refer to. I also ask, "Is there anything that you think I should ask that I haven't?"

At the beginning, I called my primary care dr. to schedule appointment to figure out the pain I had in my leg. I was told because I had not come to visit in last 3 years I would be counted as a new patient, given appointment for 3 months later. I went to a walk-in and started my journey. I somewhat get it but I've not gone back to that office. I should probably have a primary care physician but the thinking is I go to see my Oncologist once a month for checkup, blood work and monthly shots. I'm good to go. best to all.

@rodnok1, that first appointment can really set the tone of the relationship. May I ask what type of cancer you're dealing with?

There are many problems affecting the quality of our medical care. Some of us have seen how the electronic
medical record keyboard has promoted doctors turning their back on us and cutting face time. Docs now spend
too much time on records and third party hoops interfering in our care. How easy is it for seniors to
understand and navigate our prescription plan “coverage” and gaps.?
The medical system has been taken over by layers of
corporate ownership and interference. Your physician is
rarely their own boss. Medical schools are not admitting
on merit as once was the case. Training is dilute with physical exam neglected or taught on dummy simulations. Some patients are relegated to physician
extenders not always closely supervised or experienced.
There is a shortage of primary care doctors.
If you have a good relationship do your best to be a
patient who takes care of themselves. Research your
problem. Maintain good records in one location if
possible. Learn about your drugs and ask questions of
physicians and pharmacy. Prepare for your visit and follow instructions for tests. We are now responsible
for our own care more than ever. It doesn’t work to
say “ fix me up” for anything other than an injury.
Do some research on your choice of physicians and
providers. My Chart is helpful in the framework of
a responsive practice.
Use a companion advocate to be wingman and extra ears when you can. Find friends helping one another more as we age helps. Feel fortunate if you have good access to care. I am one of the fortunate in spite of all these changes. I have 4 foreign medical trained doctors
that have given me great care. Number 5 ghosts me no longer.

May I comment on Advantage Plans. My last place of employment offers their retirees an Advantage Plan besides "take the money and get your own." It's a PPO plan, not an HMO plan which seems to make a HUGE difference. When I called my insurance company about going to the Mayo Clinic, I was told that I can go anywhere in the USA where Medicare is used with no referrals needed. My insurer has outstanding+ customer service and worked well with Mayo's billing department.

I would be careful about that. Advantage plans have a poor reputation and are being dropped in many places. With Original Medicare one can self-refer to any doctor in the US that takes Medicare (as in original Medicare). Doctors that take "Medicare Advantage" plans are something else! They are part of the network of the Advantage Plan. And what do you have to pay when you see those doctors? With my Original Medicare and my Medigap/supplemental plan I do not need to check each year to see if my doctors are still in the plan. I have no bills except my premium. And in the last 2.5 years I have really gotten my money's worth and made up for the extra cost in the years before!!!! Not to talk about the stress free time since I had no insurance issues!!!!
Mayo Florida and Arizona do not take Advantage plans, and Mayo Minnesota only certain ones from comments here.......

Thank you for your input, Vic83. Yes, many Advantage Plans do have a poor reputation and work the best when near home. With my PPO I can self refer to any doctor in the USA that accepts Medicare as I stated before. In the area covered by my plan it would be a major feat to find a doctor that is not covered by my plan and I think I would be unsuccessful. I pay anything from $0 to $10, usually $0, at appointments, all lab work, mammograms, echocardiograms, .., are $0 copay. My former employer pays 95% of my premium, my share is under $200 a year. I, too, have absolutely no insurance issues. My surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester along with all of the other services were covered, in fact the insurance company customer service with the Mayo billing department always had good results. The insurance company promotes preventive care big time, wellness, and is rated top by US News and World Report. That said, your explanation is one to bear in mind and we should all be aware that changes happen. People need to study their individual unique situations. For now, there is nothing better out there than the Advantage Plan I have and I would change if necessary.