Now the issue has escalated. This afternoon (August 18, 2016) I called our clinic and asked to speak with Dr. B, Silver's PCP.
I was transferred to the station in the back and “R”, who identified himself as a Medical Assistant, answered. I identified that I was calling for my wife for a referral to an infectious disease doctor.
R’s first question was, “Is this this about Lyme Disease?”
What?!?!?!
Now, the reason we were calling the clinic today is that we have been calling the clinic, and in specific Dr. B’s nurses and/or medical assistants, to get a referral to an infectious disease doctor on the recommendation of a urologist, Dr. W who told Silver and me to let her PCP know that she needed a referral to an ID doctor.
Also the Nurse Practitioner at the Urgent Care, where Silver received her last confirmation that the infection was still present, test completed on August 8th (and had been positive since December 2015) and was wondering why Silver had not been referred as yet to an ID doctor.
The NP was unsure of whether or not she could make the referral herself but let us know that we should let the PCP know it was necessary.
When I called and spoke with R, he asked how to spell the name of the infection (Klebsiella Pneumoniae).
I started to spell it and then stopped and told R that I had spelled it out for Rd another “medical assistant” working at the clinic) and had even spelled it out phonetically for Rd.
R said that Rd had only entered that we (I) had called for a referral. That was done on August 12! R took careful notes and said that he was entering them into the record and that Dr. B would call us as soon as he was able.
Silver has enough stress in her life and does not need medical incompetence adding to it. When there are “medical assistants” who are not completing documentation, making assumptions (“Is this about Lyme Disease?” NO!! It’s about an antibiotic resistant, chronic infection!),
and disregarding a patient’s needs speaks of needed required training and progressive discipline for those who are not meeting “Job requirements/Job duties”.
This type of attitude does not speak highly of the Medicaid program as employees such as the ones I have mentioned, continue to just get a pass through.
I have prepared 3 letters, one for Dr. B, the PCP, one for the Administrative Supervisor, and one for the Charge Nurse and I am going to request a "Case Management" meeting (with at least the last two) and trust me, I did Case Management for a living!
This is pushing us both to beyond our limits.
................................................
(breaking up the post for easier reading for many here)
[ 08-20-2016, 01:53 PM: Message edited by: TxCoord ]
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
That is so crazy and so unprofessional!!! This is a clinic that everyone has access to, correct?
So shouldn't the personnel be fully trained?
PS .. I would call again and again and again until you get that referral.
This incompetence must be widespread. My beloved sister-in-law has been waiting over a month for M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to get her scheduled for testing following her referral to them for esophageal cancer.
Her life is on the line and they are stumbling around.
Posted by Silverwolf (Member # 9196) on :
Hi <<<<< Lymetoo >>>>>,
About 3:40 p.m. PST, someone finally called from PCP's clinic , TxC' will go tomorrow to pick-up a referral.
It's been ridiculous,and we both want to know why the first med'Assistaant TxC' spoke with today asked if it was about Lyme.
PCP thinks Labcorp is the living end, so the Negative Lyme tests must be right. We haven't talked about it to PCP since the tests came up negative.He knew that we weren't n favor of an ID Doc' for Lyme.
PCP or someone from their clinic staff/office, included the last Negative Lyme test to the Uro'Doc', who then acted like I was frequent flyer shopping for ABX. He said to get the referral for ID Doc' from PCP.
The results from the Uro' Doc' were still positive for Kleb.Pneu'. This truly seems to be a case of Prejudice against folks who have Chronic Lyme.
We found out another friend here, was treated very shabbily, when they tried to find help for LD with a Sero-negative test like my first test in 2006.
I had an Igenix test,and they were concerned enough to say, something is up, even tho' it isn't CDC positive, please have further evaluation done.
I have two different Clinical positives, from the LD tests in 2006-7.
One Clinic in WA. was definite Bart' and very likely definite Lyme [before my Igenix test.]. The second clinic, in Utah, was definite,Lyme, and Bart', and Babesia[ w/MVP] after . We didn't have the money for other tests, just the Igenix WB, that the Utah clinic ordered.
I took a chance as you know,here in Nevada, on the tests,and LabCorp's were Negative. Wont be talking to any docs' here again about LD going Chronic' they don't believe in it.
The Medicaid mess here especially 'the Amerigoop-Madiciad' mess also seeming to is act really odd, about patients that are middle aged.
We are working with some agencies that may be able to help. We'll see what happens.
<<<<< Lymetoo, and SIL >>>>>,hope the referral and help come soon. Please let us know, will be praying. My Dad went thru Esophageal cancer, and treatments. he got a blessing, the Lord let him have close to two more decades here on earth.
Jus' that Silverwolfi here
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
DANG! Boiling over again, I see. So sorry to hear that!
You said.. "we both want to know why the first med'Assistaant TxC' spoke with today asked if it was about Lyme."
Could it be they needed to write the reason for the referral on the referral paper? Just wondering.
As for incompetence- UGH!
I spent about 2 hours trying to get help for someone today and after the 4th transfer they made me start all over again and provide all of the same basic info again. I threw a mini-fit. It wasn't pretty.
These people being in charge of collecting used shoelaces is one thing. Being in charge of detailed medical issues and a person's health is another.
SAD SAD stuff. Sorry you were "shoelaced" again today. This shouldn't be happening.
Hugs to you both!
Posted by Silverwolf (Member # 9196) on :
Hi <<<<< Tinny >>>>>,
''Shoelaced'', we likes that phrase and since we have not mentioned Lyme, but have consistently been speaking with them about Klebsiella-pneum., an ABX resistant super bug,we are beginning to feel they've pigeonholed me as an ABX seeking frequent flyer, who is looney-whoppty-copter [because of earlier testing that my PCP ordered].
[Oops,hows that for a run on sentence?]
Wondering about their competence, the doctors included, since I had positive Kleb Pneu. tests in, Dec.2015, and March, April,June and July of 2016.
I'll never understand what it all has to do with the 'Price of Tea in China'....Aarrrghhh.
Jus' Stressed out-Shoelaced Silverwolfi
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Praying that tomorrow is a better day!!!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
How is the weekend looking? Hopefully better!
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
TC: Today's forecast is HOT! Tomorrow's is fire and brimstone and Sunday's is don't let your long haired pets outside as they will spontaneously combust!
Actually, it's not too bad for this time of the year with possibilities of T-storms. Yahoo.
Update on letters to folks. I mailed my complaint about the urologist to the NV state medical examiner (with a copy of the letter to the doctor) and took copies of my letter about Silver's treatment by the staff to the administration!
Not only took the letters (one for the PCP, one for admin sup, and one for charge nurse) but the young lady at the desk asked me, "Did someone tell you to write these?"
"Oh no! I am quite skilled in verbal and oral communication skills! I wrote them myself!"
Ba-da-boom-tish
(editing out name)
[ 08-19-2016, 08:13 PM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
Soooo, when I stopped at PCP's office to get the Infect. Dis. referral, it was just a sealed envelop.
When I went to the ID doc the receptionist asked if there weren't any tests included and that no one had faxed any reports?
Uhhhh, PCP doc, it's a little hard to get an appt when there isn't any INFO!!!!!
She said she would phone the PCP and have him send the test results and then she would call and schedule an appt.
When will the madness stop?!?!?
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
You said the person at desk asked... "Did someone tell you to write these?"
Made me laugh! I think they really think no one else on the planet can read or write, or should. Their jobs, unfortunately, REALLY go to their heads. It shouldn't make them feel (and ACT) so superior.
I actually had one front desk person tell me (before we knew it was Lyme), that I shouldn't read so much. I told the doc that comment next time I was there and he fired her.
Keep in mind that was the same doc that argued with me fiercely about what side of the body the spleen was on. He was wrong, but I couldn't convince him of it. My bet is he looked it up when I left and then realized he was wrong- but was too proud to admit it later.
If you break the office help's smug, superior, hurtful, hotsy totsy act down into dollars, for example, and I get really annoyed with that attitude as there is NO reason for it...
I made more money (and had much more fun) waitressing four hours a night back 30 years ago, than they make working two full days now. So why do they do that stupid stuff? UGH!
Then again, maybe that is why they are there at that job. My guess is they wouldn't bring in much in tips if they actually had to SERVE people and be caring and nice.
The office help often acts smug and there is another word for it (?), like the IDSA.
And I am surprised the IDSA doesn't burn school teachers at the stake for teaching people to think and be able to do the same thing doctors can do- READ. Anyhow...
Good response from you! Love it! Took some time and effort, but you are getting things done.
And I am impressed with your additional actions. Would love to be a fly on their wall. Actually, no I wouldn't. Who wants to be a fly? I would like to know what they did and said though.
Ya know, TX.... by your swift and prompt actions today, is almost as if you could read and write too!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
You're getting too smart for your britches, TxCoord!
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Speaking of such, wouldn't it be a great clothing line to wear pants saying as such?!
"Too smart for these britches"
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
People would definitely wear them, Robin!
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
But wait! There's more! About 10 after 4 (PST) we get a call from the clinic and it is the Case Manager/Nurse and she asked me, "Are you wanting a Case Manager?"
So I asked, "Have you read my letter?"
"No, they just gave it to me and I'm supposed to be out of here at 4." (Well, wasn't that nice of someone? They [unknown] scanned the letter and saw the words "Case Manager" and assumed . . .)
So I asked to her read the letter first and then call me back (she works Wed-Fri) and we'll discuss why I want to "case manage" the situation. I did explain I knew how to "case manage" (think that threw her off a bit).
Then she asked if the problem was "just" at this particular clinic (not being said was, "another complaint about THIS clinic)) and I told her yes.
So . . . Same Bat channel! Same Bat time! As I am sure my story isn't done yet.
BTW, I've been told I'm too big for my britches, but not too smart for them!
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Can she just "opt out" of evening having a case manager and then the two of you can just collaborate about decisions behind the scene?
I doubt they would want to make anyone outside of their group to have this official title but an "opt out" may serve the same purpose.
It might also be easier than if they were to make you a "cm" then you might have some answering to do to them.
Of course, they'd need to sure to be trusted to be clear in all their clicks and deeds that she was not option out of the insurance coverage, just having a case manager. -
[ 08-20-2016, 06:23 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
HOLY COW BATMAN!
The problems are so bad they are getting to the "laughable" point.
Please understand I am NOT laughing at you, just the problem- it is so bad it is unbelievable. And rather than getting better it just gets worse!
How many stupid people can you stack head to toe? Well, how many work at that clinic?
If they were rowing a boat they never get anywhere and would probably kill each other with the oars.
However, I'm trying to see things from their point of view, but you know, I just can't get my head that far up my uh, shoe lace.
You could have said... you're a person of rare intelligence cause it's rare when you show any.
Had you been there in person TX you could have said.. "I look into your eyes and get the feeling someone else is driving."
Sad, but true, in the battle of wits they are unarmed, for sure.
Maybe get them a bumper sticker that says... You inspired the slogan, "A mind is a terrible thing to waste."
You could say... I heard you got a brain transplant and the brain rejected you.
How about this... Are you always an idiot, or just when I'm around?
One for Silver to spout out.... Let's play horse. I'll be the front end and you be yourself.
And if they keep it up... What are you going to do for a face when the baboon wants his butt back?
Or... You are so dumb you think Cheerios are doughnut seeds.
How about this... "Are your parents siblings?"
And a contribution from Maddog while he is away on vacation cause I am sure he'd want to help... The last time I saw a face like yours I threw it a fish!
Or... You are so was so ugly they push your face into dough to make gorilla cookies.
How about... When you go to the mind reader, do you get half price?
1st off, Keebler, perhaps we've confused you, I'll let TxCoord [which ='s Treatment Coordinator] try to explain further later on. I wont try,since I'd prolly confuse me own self trying to explain.
I will say that, my Hubby TxC', is trained in Case management, a Drug and Alcohol treatment facilitator , Counseling, and many other things. Before he was forced into medical retirement.
Lymetoo,and Tinny, thanks for prayers,and hugs, and empathy, the kind words and humor do help us,in this hard time.
Robin', the 'Too Smart for These Britches' clothing line idea is hilarious! But we'd have to call ours "...too slender suddenly for these britches...". TxC' prolly could be 'too Smart' LOL. He is my hero, stays by me thru thick and thin.Well, and smart vs. cognitively impaired too.
I am blessed even in the midst of these problems, by TxC's support,love and caring. He doesn't belittle me, for not being able to think clearly,or for thinking differently, which I grew up with that sort of verbal abuse.
Tinny, those sayings are funny!!! And very apropos !!! Loved,'let's play horse, I'll be the front end you be yourself! ".All of them LOL
Meanwhile,for those who pray please keep us up in prayer! I am still having some issues,from the meds' and the infection . As of Aug.9th it had not cleared my system yet. Finished some ABX, Sunday, and we'll see if that helps,when I give the next Urine sample.
Having to be really careful,it's been windy,and this infection can get in the lungs really easy. Hmm, maybe this mess is why I have gotten 'pneumonia' like illnesses so many times?
Anyway,will check in later, have to rest a bit, I guess a bit of laughter goes along way,when I am dizzy,which is a lot lately. But it was worth it!!!
Jus' that Shoelaced Silverwolfi
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
So glad you could laugh! Sometimes, too many times, I don't have those magical amazing words of wisdom that I hope can help, but then again, laughing is good for the soul.
Will keep you in my prayers, always. And TX too. So good you have him to care about, and him for you.
The Bristol race was rain delayed tonight, and hours later it looks like they are going to try to get it in. That will be good, but it makes it a long day for the racers and the crew. Hope all are safe and not sleepy!
Not that anyone cares what I'm doing on a hot Saturday night, just talking to myself. HA!
You all have an exciting night in your beautiful city. And a good weekend too!
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
Or what I am NOT doing on a hot Saturday night! They finally got the track dry and the cars out there and it started pouring again! Back to red flag conditions.
Guess I'll go sit in the corner and play with my alligator.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Silverwolf,
I know that he has the skill (and beyond) it's just I was trying to think like they may think and may not want to assign that to anyone outside their employee group "officially"
and if you could just drop the case manager from the VA, and "opt out" he could still do that unofficially, unseen, behind the scenes -- and you could then make your own choices (with his expert guidance quietly) without your even being assigned a case manager for your insurance decisions.
I truly wish you both good luck with all of this. It's so much and I hope you get what you need as best possible. -
Posted by Silverwolf (Member # 9196) on :
Hi <<<<< Keebler >>>>>,
Oh Dear, I knew it was getting you confused, I am not VA,only TxCoord is. VA does not treat me period. And no one except you has mentioned anything in this post,or in their replies about the VA.
This is a matter at a clinic group for my medical situation w/ a dangerous infection that has been left untreated.
The only 'insurance' I have is 'Amerigroup Medicaid'[ The worst program in at least this state of Nevada,by what several doctors and patients have told us now.]. What appears to be happening is an intentional slow down by the staff at this clinic toward patients over 50 on Medicaid, and Disabled.
[And Due to legal loopholes in the laws about SS, I fall thru the cracks. There are over two years before I can qualify for SSI. And yes we've checked several times,on the legalities].
The matter has been put before the proper Authorities,as to the why of this slow up at the clinic [which seems to be aimed at certain Medicaid patients], and the fact that many of the staff, appear to have improper training,and or really bad attitudes...
While waiting for the 'Authorities' to do something, we are still trying to get this Kleb. Pneu. UTI infection stopped.
Again, I am not a VA patient, in a separate matter, My husband TxC' is still doing battle with the VA to get his just,and fair earned compensation,as a disabled Veteran. We live on a very small single income, Medicaid was not our choice. We were forced to get it,or be fined.
And yes,Lyme Disease is a factor in this whole mess. because we deigned to have a test run a few months ago [to see if the LD would show this time]. To them Labcorp is the be all end all. And don't anyone suggest to these Folks who all tout the IDSA idiocy,that it could be Sero-negative Chronic Lyme condition.
And while Klebsiella Pneu. is nothing to do with Lyme,as far as we know. My Immune system is broken because of LD and Co-infections,making it easy for infections and viruses to take up residence.
Kleb. Pneu.,is generally hospital /medical facility acquired ,and occasionally community acquired. We are not partyers, rather we're homebodies,we go to our medical appointments, and occasional shopping if/when necessary,as well as TxC' going to church[I am rarely able to attend].
VA,and TxC's battle with them over the Disability compensation,wasn't mentioned in all of this but,it has caused us serious budgetary/financial stresses,as they have lolly- gagged,and squabbled over important matters.
Veterans are dying, everyday,because of the VA's choices not to make a choice,but to sit on monies[and/or misspend them] that rightfully belong to our Veterans.
So IDSA prejudice against Chronic Lyme in general,and the VA's lack of decision to help my husband receive what is rightfully his, caused me not to be able to get insurance. We then were forced to settle on Medicaid[for me,we could not afford anything else],so as not to be fined,under current rules and laws.
Again, TxCoord is VA medically covered [and no they don't pay for everything in his situation]. I am not, I only have Amerigroup Medicaid [and right now I cannot opt out].
I hope this helps you Keebler, to understand,some of my/our plight. I am not trying to be political, but by the facts of what has happened to us [and sadly to who knows how many thousands of others], these are my opinions.
I am in mourning for my father who died on Fathers day, wasn't buried until August 3, fighting chronic Lyme and Co's without a Doctors help, Fighting the Kleb. Pneu infection discovered in Dec.2015, and trying to help TxCoord recover from Major surgery.
If I seem sharp,or cranky, or ornery,or mean it is not intended,I am trying to survive.
To those who have been supporting us in prayer,and keeping us in their tho'ts, we appreciate it beyond what we are able to say.
And honestly w/o LymeNet,I don't know if we'd have made it this far.
Jus' Silverwolfi-shoelaced
[ 08-21-2016, 01:59 PM: Message edited by: Silverwolf ]
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
Tincup: As my friend said one time about people like this, "If what comes out of your mouth is any indication of what's inside your head, you could turn your eyes around backwards and see a vacuum!"
Keebler, this is what I said in my post above
"So I asked to her read the letter first and then call me back (she works Wed-Fri) and we'll discuss why I want to "case manage" the situation. I did explain I knew how to "case manage"
I am the one who is telling them that 1. I do not want or need a Case Manager for Silver 2. The reason I don't want one is I am one and I know what to do and how to do it.
Keebler said: "Can she just "opt out" of evening having a case manager and then the two of you can just collaborate about decisions behind the scene?"
This is what I said in the first post:
"I have prepared 3 letters, one for Dr. B, the PCP, one for the Administrative Supervisor, and one for the Charge Nurse and I am going to request a "Case Management" meeting (with at least the last two) and trust me, I did Case Management for a living!"
That means I am calling the meeting and I want the admin super and the nursing super to sit down with me to discuss and resolve the issue. I am the one that is initiating this, not the clinic and the lady I talked with Friday had not read the letter.
Had she read the letter before calling she would have realized we didn't want a case manager but we wanted the meeting.
Sorry for the confusion.
Posted by Silverwolf (Member # 9196) on :
Jus' Silverwolf clarifying further for All Readers,and Repliers
TxCoords remarks to Tincup,just above this reply, were pertaining to her funny remarks in her reply. It is most assuredly not aimed at anyone on Lymenet.
We need humor right now,in the middle of all this mess.
Thank You for reading this far.
Jus' Silverwolfi and TxCoord too
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
TX- Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
And yes, I am STILL sitting here waiting for the Saturday night race to start. It was finally postponed late last night and they were to run today at 1 PM, and it got rained out again!
Vrrrrroooommmmmmm........
Posted by TxCoord (Member # 9204) on :
TC - And another left turn!!!! (I'm a Bowyer fan, but haven't seen any races since we went cable/satellite-less.)
"Boy! You've got two brains! One's lost and the other is looking for it!" (from my Dad to me)
"Doctor I hurt right here." "Did it hurt before?" "Yeah, couple weeks ago." "Well, whatever you had, you've got it again."
Posted by Tincup (Member # 5829) on :
You got me laughing.
Bowyer! What a good guy he is! Makes me smile.
His racing luck reminds me of this little line... "When he is good he is very very good, when he is bad he is awful."
Maybe this will make you laugh? 2 minute video- Jeff Dunham. Your left turn comment made me think of it. He makes me laugh- can't watch for more than a minute without laughing.
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)