Info Desk [Paperwork, ordering, wait times, procedures, booklets, prescriptions...]

Honestly, I think everything should be free. Since you’re already entitled to one visit per year through Medicare, isn't the only reason people pay just because they can't stand waiting? If you want to skip the line, you pay. Simple as that.

Does anyone know how long the waitlist is for an initial psychiatry appointment at the local hospital in Aurora? Also, what's the best way to book that first visit—do I call them, shoot over an email, or just show up in person? If you've been there, hit me up via PM with the scoop on the quality of care!

thanks 🙏

Sandra Brooks91 said:I honestly think everything should be free. You’re entitled to a Pap smear once a year anyway. It seems like the only reason people pay is because they don't want to wait forever for the results. If you want speed, you pay up.

Look, I get how the Pap smear works, but I’m specifically asking about ultrasounds. I keep hearing conflicting things. This forum is full of women who say they don't pay a dime—but I’m out here paying $33. I know the gynecologist's price list states that this specific part isn't covered by Medicare. They have special rates for their own patients and different ones for everyone else. And let's be real, an ultrasound result is 🤣 immediate. Just kidding, but seriously, can someone explain how this actually works?

On a side note, I think this might be grounds for an inspection report. There was this guy who got dragged through the news for reporting to Medicare because he was charging for Pap smears without ever telling the women they could skip the fee if they didn't mind waiting longer for the results. That’s the truth—I didn't realize it until I read about it in the papers. So, the doctor decided to be "helpful." He posted a notice in his office detailing the total cost of a Pap smear (including the vials and all that extra stuff), claiming he only keeps $10 out of that $40 amount. Then—get this—he basically tells patients that the wait time for unpaid results could be critical for recovery. He essentially asks if you value your health enough to pay for speed. If you say no, he treats you like garbage. We live in a small town, and there isn't another gynecologist within a few counties that I could move to; I've already checked. He knows that, too. That’s why he gets away with it.

So, it seems like you’ve got it all figured out... isn't there some kind of White phone or something like that?

So, a friend of mine was sent to get some rheumatology testing done. She’s wondering how much blood they actually draw, if being on her period right now matters at all, and if having a few drinks this past Saturday will mess anything up?

I know it sounds like a stupid question—honestly—but I’d really appreciate it if a kind soul could weigh in.

You made a great point about that White phone... but in the meantime, I found out from another PDF that both the PAP test and the ultrasound should be free. Now I’m planning to demand my money back and take further action so this never happens again. I’ll file an anonymous report; if they were investigated for the PAP tests, they’ll definitely be looked at for the ultrasounds too. I’m going to do some serious digging first, though, because I don't want to accuse him of something if it isn't true. The thief... just imagine how much he's pocketed by charging everyone for PAP tests for 20 years $40? And for many people, the ultrasounds too (he does less of those than PAPs, but still)... so how much is he making off pregnant women?

brightstag11 said:So, a friend of mine was sent for a rheumatism test. She’s wondering how much blood they actually take, and if it matters that she's on her period right now or that she had some drinks on Saturday?

I know it sounds like a pretty dumb question, but I’d really appreciate it if a kind soul could help me out.

What kind of rheumatism test? It depends on what they need to check. If it's just the rheumatoid factor, that's one vial. But if they're doing a full panel, it could be several.

Personally, I try to avoid getting any blood work done while on my period, though I doubt it makes a difference. They’d tell you at the LabCorp if it mattered for the specific test. As for the drinks on Saturday? That's long gone by now. 😁

I’ll try to be as honest and brief as I can.
To me, being a decent human being means everything.
I’m talking about a local community health center over in Brooklyn—I just really need to know who to talk to or how to handle this situation.
The clinic itself is run incredibly well by Dr. Velcro—she’s a resident, and honestly, she’s wonderful—but the nurse is a total nightmare. Ksenija Dormiter is basically a neurotic whirlwind who treats patients like they're toddlers—and I'm talking about people twice her age! She yells at them like they're five years old. On top of that, the place is way too busy; the phones never stop ringing, which makes everything chaotic. To make matters worse, when George was in a wheelchair, she wouldn't even let him in because you aren't supposed to knock on the doors—since the first room belongs to the nurse and the second to the doctor—and he had to call ahead for his prescriptions, but the line is constantly busy since it routes through the receptionist. Even if you actually get through, the nurse just snaps at you, saying she’s far too busy to help.
I mean, isn't the whole point of her job to be compassionate? That's why people choose this profession, right? Not to pick fights with patients or lose their cool—back before they even used computers, she’d snap, "Are you crazy? Can't you see how many files I still have to process?"
Being polite just doesn't work there. I'm at a loss for how to act or who to contact. It's getting to the point where managing other health issues—like follow-ups scheduled for specific dates—is impossible because you can't even get the necessary referrals or preliminary lab results from LabCorp without it feeling like winning the lottery.
Please help.
thanks.

Here's White phone. I’m planning on "using" it soon myself. I’m just waiting to see exactly how I'll handle everything coming my way over the next two weeks.

I didn't realize my post would be moved—but hey, I just got some updated info regarding the same issue. Section 2, paragraph 2—it’s all about the trust between patients and medical staff, which is being totally blown by this nurse who spends her time yelling at people in the hallway and calling out diagnoses in front of everyone.
Paragraph 3—supposedly about respecting patient rights?
Sections 4 and 5—they talk about maintaining professional standards, but honestly, I haven't seen any of that from this lady.

Article 18—doctors are required to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition.
(Think things like schizophrenia, neuroses, or PTSD sufferers, etc.)—but here, the nurse seems to be the one running the show, and she keeps doing it indefinitely.

Article 19—protecting human dignity and ensuring patients have the right to be informed and make their own decisions. In reality? It feels like nothing more than ink on paper.

Article 21—medical confidentiality. Seriously, she yells so loud you can hear everything in the other rooms of the general practice, and then when people step out into the waiting room, she insists on "keeping order" by publicly announcing everyone's full name.

Article 31—covers the patient's right to call in an inspector.

Article 50—disciplinary breach of duty.

Article 55—states that disciplinary proceedings can be initiated at the patient's request.
But against whom?
(Since the sections I mentioned seem to focus mostly on doctors' titles, I'm not even sure if they apply to a nurse in the same way?)

Dear Madam,

I think it would be wise to move your inquiry—including those legal citations—over to the Labor, Social, and Family Law section. There are several members there who specialize in that field, and their expertise is quite reliable. You'll likely find much more precise answers there.

Best regards. 🙂

Thanks (if we're talking about me 🙂 ,though I doubt it) .

I have a quick question for George (if you're okay with answering here—no worries if not). Do you run your own private practice, Doctor?
If it's easier, feel free to PM me—I'm actually asking for a relative to see if they could be taken on, given all those different circumstances we talked about, and I’d be happy to explain the whole situation more clearly so you know which specialist we need.

Walter Jones8 said:Thanks (if you're talking about me). 🙂 ,uopće) .

Yes, I was referring to your inquiry regarding filing a formal report and taking specific actions concerning the issues you raised. Since this is moving into the realm of legal matters and statutory interpretation, you'll need professional counsel from someone specializing in that field of law.

I have a question for George (if he’s even open to answering, if not, I understand). Doctor, do you run your own private practice?
If it’s easier, we can move this to private messages. I'm asking on behalf of a relative regarding whether they would be accepted given the various circumstances already mentioned. I would be happy to provide more specific details about the case and which doctor we are dealing with once we switch over.

Regarding this part of the question, the topic isn't exactly appropriate here, but let's leave it be. George might give you an answer if he feels like it, though answering could potentially compromise his identity. Anonymity is vital around here, and the forum rules guarantee it.

Actually, I’d suggest sticking to private messages for these kinds of questions. Of course, users still have the right to disable incoming PMs entirely—if they choose to do that, there isn't much anyone can do about it.

Greetings. 🙂

So grateful for all the helpful info 🙂 .

I was wondering if the doctor could possibly write my referral without including a specific date? How does that process even work??

The situation is that I'm heading out to pick up my prescriptions tomorrow, but my psychiatrist has me scheduled for an appointment on January 24th. If I get the referral tomorrow, it'll only be valid for a month, which doesn't really help me much at all. I was really hoping to just settle everything in one trip tomorrow so I don't have to make the trek out there a second time.

Sure, just make sure to mention that the wait times for an appointment are ridiculous. They either give you nothing at all regarding a date, or if you actually manage to secure a slot, you're expected to show up for your referral within a month. Does that sound reasonable to anyone else? 😉

My general practitioner also leaves out all the dates, and I’ve honestly never felt the need to bring it up. It’s a different story with my parents' doctors, though—they aren't seeing the same person—but those physicians put a date on everything. My doctor doesn't even bother listing the clinic name sometimes. To be fair, I actually like it that way because it gives me the freedom to go wherever I want... hey, at least she's keeping me happy 🤣.

Exactly, those blank referral forms are the absolute best 🙂

thanks Daisy 😉

Hey everyone.
I’m trying to figure out how long a referral for blood work actually stays valid. Since they switched over to the electronic referral system, I’ve been wondering if there's a specific expiration date or if...
I heard a rumor somewhere that these blood work referrals basically last forever :/ .. I could use some clarity here! thanks!