Question:
PCP ignoring me for referal

Hi, last Monday night I went into the ER with pain, found out I have a very large kidney stone, and it was the opinion of the ER doc that it would not pass on it's own and I needed to see a urologist. She told me to see my PCP asap, for the referal. I called my PCP Tuesday morning and they told me when they got the paperwork that my PCP would get me the referal. He got the paperwork Thursday. I called Friday, the next Monday, and Tuesday, (yesterday), and his staff keeps telling me that he isn't sure what to do, and is still going over his plan of action for me, while I sit here in pain, or drugged up on Percacet (sp?) Tommorow he will have had my paperwork for a week, and has yet to call me with anything. Does this seem weird? He has always given me referals asap for any other thing, and now I feel trapped by him not giving the referal, as my insurance company requires it. The ER doc stated her opinion on the paperwork, as I have a copy also. I think me having WLS is making him apprehensive, as he was almost certain I would not be approved , I was, and won't talk to me about it, when I have to visit him for other things, (kids appointments) My husband wants me to make a complaint against him, but to who? Any help you can give me would be apprecaited, Carey    — Carey N. (posted on July 24, 2002)

July 24, 2002
What you do is barge in to your PCPs office, and tell them (nicely) that if you dont leave with a referral your calling and complaining to your insurance company. That should get their attention! Kidney stones are very painful and theres NO REASON to sit around in pain. PCPs are supposed to be gatekeepers, not stand in the way of proper medical care. Incidently its easy for someone to ignore you on the phone but when your standing there looking at them its a LOT harder. Go get em first thing in the morning.
   — bob-haller

July 24, 2002
Go to your PCP and politely tell them you need to see your doc today. Do not leave unless you see him. If you have to wait until 5..do so. Don't go when they turn out the lights. And, if he still refuses call the insurance company and request an immediate change to a new PCP. Good luck
   — Thomas M.