~ Watery's Pond ~ Here's to a happier New Year!

[Lemon Cheesecake]

it seems doctors aren't taking new patients... does that mean that either too many people are not well or there aren't enough good Doctors?

[galled]

I think it's kind of a combination of the two. There are more people (the population grows) and more people are going to the doctor/seeking medical care percentage wise than ever before (insurance availability and a culture of preventative/active care is becoming accepted)--and when more people look, they find more things=sick people. It's not a bad thing, but the US has been behind the curve so long for medical care it's experiencing growing pains.

That said, it seems there are fewer people going into medicine these days. Given the cost of of a medical education and the ever lower wages paid (still sky high, but no longer astronomical), those going into really must love it. My guess is there are fewer tempted to go into medicine for economic reward than there used to be.

I've been seeing a Physician's Assistant rather than a doctor and couldn't be happier. I can get in to see him and he seems to be happy doing his job. For most appointments, I think a full blown doctor is unnecessary and seeing someone who charges less can help relieve the doctor shortage.

[Watery Star]

There does seem to be fewer family doctors than specialist. Specialists get paid more. My problem is my insurance didn't cover specialists but then on Friday I was told by a receptionist that can't be the case because I can't self pay if I have insurance so I have to be able to see a specialist if I need one. She really helped me out. She told me an insurance I could get through medicaid that is accepted in my county. Tomorrow I'm going to call back some places and see if they'll take my new insurance.
I really hope America's healthcare gets reformed, it's such a mess.

BTW, if you're applying to disability you have to see certified doctors. Physician assistants aren't good enough and anything in your records about them could be overlooked, :/

[Lemon Cheesecake]

i don't know anything about medicaid insurance but I am assuming it is like an hmo plan where you have to go to the doctors on their list and have to get preapproval for the specialist. There should be a phone number on the back of your insurance card that you can call and ask. I have the Blue cross anthem and there's a number on the card to call (and on the statement of benefits that I receive in the mail after I have seen a doctor). If I have questions about what is covered I can call and ask or go onto the website they have.

I didn't know about the disability things, good to know just in case. I have seen the PA for appointments which has been fine but they have to ask the Doctor on certain things so sometimes I'd like to cut out the middle man.

[Watery Star]

*Tidies the place up*

The pond should be nice and warm now!

[Lemon Cheesecake]

ah yes, very nice...I am just going to relax here for a bit...<starts snoring>

[Watery Star]

ah Lemon! It's not good to fall asleep in the sun, by a body of water! o.o;;

[Lemon Cheesecake]

oh..that's why I got sunburnt last time.... I'll bring my beach umbrella next time..or sit under a tree's shade and have a picnic

[npixelz]

*sits at waters edge, trying to catch fish with paws*

[Lemon Cheesecake]

...comes by and dangles feet in the water...so hot today...the pond feels so refreshing...no critters I need to be worrying about in the pond is there?

[npixelz]

let's see, shall we? *sneaks up behind lemon and pushes her in*

[Watery Star]

Nothing to worry abou- *hears a splash* ^^;

[Lemon Cheesecake]

whoa, that was a surprise but very refreshing < shakes self off> looks for a towel

[Watery Star]

*Hands lemon a towel with a citrus theme* There you go!
*Sets out some beach chairs and small tables with towels and sunblock. Then put out some beach umbrellas*
That should do it. *Runs and jumps into the lake*

[Lemon Cheesecake]

why thank y ou watery!

Pulls some refreshing lemonade and cups from my picnic basket and sets it on the table to share with some petite sanwiches