How often do you see your LLMD? Mine said I had to come once every 2 weeks. I get my blood drawn by my nurse but the staff at office said I still have to come in.
They didn't tell me this when they told me about getting a PICC. I don't think I can afford that. His prices are lower than most LLMD..but at 175.00 every 2 weeks plus the 6 hour round trip drive out is really draining us.
I know how should just be happy that I am getting treatment and feeling better but my hubby can't work anymore overtime..he looks like he is about to drop over already.
Thanks, kit Posted by leogrl54 (Member # 10770) on :
every duck has different routines. couple ideas 1.does he know you have to drive 6 hours? he may know this from the initial visit but might need to be reminded. 2. is home health drawing your labs/changing your PICC drsg? if they are, maybe the duck would be willing to order labs etc thru them 3. have you discussed scheduled phone consults?
my duck is in colorado,i'm in montana. we have a great system-i see him every few months and we schedule every 2 week phone consults
the cost of frequent md visits can really be a stressor.
good luck leogrl54
Posted by groovy2 (Member # 6304) on :
Hi Kit
See if your doc can do phone consultation -- If there is something you need to show doc Email pictures or use YouTube to send a video to them --
Long trips will wear you down -- When I first started treatment I had to make 4 hour bus trips to see doc -
I was in No shape to be doing that - pooped me out every time --Jay-
Posted by WildCondor (Member # 434) on :
Why dont you just get your blood drawn at a local lab instead of going to his office. If its just a blood draw and not a visit, they should only be charging you for venipuncture. When i was on IV I saw my LLMD every 6-8 weeks and had blood drawnand checked locally. I had a home nurse come out and change the dressings and take blood at the same time. Posted by kitkat32 (Member # 9682) on :
Thanks leogrl and and groovy,
LLMD is aware of the drive. I will make it more obvious tommorow though at my appt.
He orders the labs to be drawn by my home nurse. He already received the results from my first set that were taken.
I am going to ask tommorow that if we continue this treatment to let me come in monthly instead.
It just seems like an awful lot to go in for when he is just going to ask if everything is going good..which it is.
I will talk to his wife tommorow. She is pretty understanding and we have formed a friendship. Hopefully she will have pity on me.
thanks alot..kit
Posted by Vermont_Lymie (Member # 9780) on :
Hi Kit,
I do not have a PICC, but my llmd expects me to visit monthly. (A month is generally anywhere from 4-6 weeks).
That sounds reasonable to me, because if he or I think it is necessary, we can always speak by the phone in between monthly visits.
Hope you are able to work that out! Best, VL
Posted by kitkat32 (Member # 9682) on :
Thanks Wild and Vermont,
I usually only have to visit every 4-6 weeks and then we talk on phone in between.
I can understand a visit 2 weeks after PICC was just done..so I am okay with tommorows appt. After that though, I think every 2 weeks is a bit much.
I will let you know what he says after I get home tommorow night.
Argghhhhh...it's going to be a very long day..but, I am getting treatment so I shouldn't be complaining.
Thanks, kit
Posted by pab (Member # 904) on :
When my son had a PICC line, his doctor required a visit every 8 weeks. We drove 11 hours one way.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I hope you can win this battle!! Every two weeks would be too much for my pocketbook too!!
Posted by beachcomber (Member # 5320) on :
Is it safe to assume you don't have insurance to cover the visits?
While on IV Rx I saw my MD every 2 weeks and I saw his nurse every week to have my vitals checked and my bandage changed. My MD was pretty adament about this so, I never really questioned it.
I am on orals now and still see my MD every 4 weeks.
I am fortunate in that my MD's practice does not chsrge nearly as much as you are being charged. Then again, I wait a long time when I go and I get about 15 - 20 minutes of actual Dr. time. Hopefully, you are getting enough attention to warrant the long drive and cost.
Can you maybe get a referal from your LLMD for a local GP to monitor you in-between the long trips? I did that when I first started treatment and couldn't always drive to see my LLMD. It worked well until I went on IV.
Take care.
Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
When I was really sick I went every month and did bloodwork every two weeks when on IV to check my liver enzymes- then we went to every two months since I have been almost well for so long-
and NOW I see a different PCP/LLMD and I go in once every 6 months or so if I have a health care issue but I have not had any Lyme related issues for years-
Posted by JimBoB (Member # 8454) on :
When dealing with ANY duck, remember bottom line is THEIR bottom line. They are all "in business" to make as much money as they can.
It is up to YOU to take hold of the situation as amicably as you can, but take charge. YOU are paying THEM, they are NOT paying YOU. THEY work for you.
They KNOW that MOST people are intimidated by them. So THEY set the rules whereever they can. Has nothing to do with YOUR well being. IT has to do with their well being. Meaning money, golf day, etc., etc..
Obviously, IF you have read THIS far, you realize I have very little use for just about ANY ductor.
There are a FEW good ones in this world, but not many from what I have see so far. They are ALL struggling to figure it all out, some just a little less than most.
I would like to make as much in 10 years as most of them make in a week.
Jim Posted by CaliforniaLyme (Member # 7136) on :
My LLMDs, both of them, are not in it for the money.
Doc Y of Santee, CA does not earn a dime. She works full-time and over time for free. I know her accountant, he does HIS work for her, payroll for her staff, etc., for free because his dead Lymed sister was a patient of hers and he appreciates the wonderful care she gave her. Doc Y became a doctor out of her Christian faith and believes it her ministry to help heal.
There are much easier ways to make money than being a Lyme doctor because being a Lyme doc oyu risk losing your medical license.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
CALyme.... What does she live on???
Posted by MagicAcorn (Member # 8786) on :
When I had a PICC I was pregnant so I saw the ID doctor about once a week. Wow! When I look back I do not know how I survived that ordeal sometimes but I did.
After I had the baby though things were more normal. Seeing my doctor monthly 4-6 weeks when acute, and then every three months, and if well every six months.
If you are seeing your doctor every two weeks he may have a reason so I'd ask. If it is just for his peace of mind maybe you can call in with a report.
But on a PICC it is important to see the doctor more regularly as an embolism or an infection could just complicate everything and reverse all progress.
I hope you and the doctor can come up with a solution that is easier for both of you.
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