Too Old for 1 Doc, Too Young for Another

[CrazyCatWom]

 That would be quite something for dating . . .

. However,I'm just trying to SEE a doctor!

 I lost my neurologist because he wanted to only practice pediatric neurology. And I lost my primary care because he only wanted to treat those who are 65 or older!

 And he ain't the only one!

 I cannot find a primary care doctor because ALL are ONLY seeing patients 65 or older! I'll be dead before 65! I cannot see specialists I need without a primary care's referral! >

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

Hi CrazyCatWom lm so sry! How frustrating! Have you tried calling the local hospital for a list of PCPs?

Call MSAA also and see how they can help you... Toll-Free Helpline  [phone] let me know how works out for you! 🤗💕🌠👻

[CrazyCatWom in reply to Jesmcd2]

oh! Since Sept. 1st, with a customer service rep from my insurance company we called every medical office of every "provider" they covered. Then I started calling the "patient conciarges" of 3 healthcare systems in Albuquerque that I am a patient with, and with all of these, I hear that "provider is no longer with us", that "provider doesn't do primary care anymore", or, that "provider only sees patients 65 or older".

. It is so bad, United Healtcare says they are hearing this from a huge number of their members in New Mexico!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador in reply to CrazyCatWom]

WOW! That is unreal, Im so sorry! Your neuro wont send you to a new one? Or do you have a university hospital within a cpl hrs from you? I travel 2 hrs one way to see mine😐 And its never good news🤣😂 so i wonder why l go! 🤣😂🤣🤗💕🌠🎃

[bxrmom]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Have you looked into your insurance online to see who is taking new patients? I'm sure others will have some helpful info for you. Keep us udpated when you can.

[BettysMom]

OMG! That is just awful. I believe that doctors are fed up with dealing with all the horrible insurance companies, so they only want to take on Medicare patients whose care is promptly paid for.

[CrazyCatWom in reply to BettysMom]

my cardiologist said something similar, claiming those "geriatric" docs just want to see patients who are on Medicare advantage plans because of pay. I'm on Medicare advantage, but I'm not 65. I was dumped on Medicare because of disability.

. My urologist said as he was telling me HE was leaving, NM was really hard on doctors. Months later I heard that the malpractice insurance doctors must carry had a spike in premiums while the state removed theprotections docs had against frivolous law suits. Also, I know a LOT of docs were angry at how the state was treating them because of COVID19. I lost my neurologist because of THAT. And I just know where I used to have doctors, I've now got nurse practioners. And it makes me wonder if you have to have quadruple bypass surgery, would you get a cardiac surgeon or a cardiologist nurse practioner?

[nwfrugalista in reply to CrazyCatWom]

I wonder if you mentioned that you are not 65 but have Medicare and Medicare advantage of that might loosen the requirements with a ‘65 and up’ practice?

[pamgarner]

call your insurane, they should give you a local list

[BlanketTime1]

that's insane. i'm so sorry and i hope you find one soon.🤗