Posted by Bill LL on March 24, 2005, at 8:48:05
In reply to Finding a pdoc, posted by fires on March 23, 2005, at 16:46:35
My experience is that pdocs are the only physician specialty in the US that does not take insurance (with few exceptions). But it makes sense. Other specialties bill for a wide variety of services where they can play around with the billings to make more money. They can also bill a full amount for visits even if they only see you for 3 or 4 minutes.
Pdocs, on the other hand, have to bill psychotherapy codes that go by actual time. So they can't just see you for 3 or 4 minutes and bill for a code that specifies 45 minutes.
Most prescriptions for antidepressants are written by non-pdocs such as internists, GP's, and OB-GYN's. They are very experienced with these drugs. Unless you need psychotherapy, or you want a second opinion with your meds, you don't have to see a pdoc.
> I can't believe it. I live near a major US metro area with several teaching U. hospitals. I can't find a pdoc who takes my PPO insurance.
>
> I can see a resident, but that didn't work well last time. I was recently referred to a pdoc, but he doesn't take insurance. Another isn't taking new patients. Another doesn't have any appointment openings until May. (Those are all about 30 miles from my home).
>
> Closer to home, I can't find out much about any pdocs.
>
> Anyone have any unique ideas for finding a good pdoc?
>
poster:Bill LL
thread:474694
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050322/msgs/474893.html