Monday, March 10, 2014

Search for Med Management

Wanted to share (vent) my experience with finding someone to help with medication management. As you know, I have been looking since the beginning of this year. I started off by searching names on my insurance company's website. Wound up calling about 15 people, not sure of the exact number I called because I lost track. Out of these 15, they either didn't do med management (even though my insurance website claimed they did), weren't accepting new patients, or didn't call me back. There was also one that asked me to schedule an appt during my normal work hours, 40 mins away from my office. I guess if I was 'really' bad, and couldn't work, I could make that happen. However, since I am trying to function in a 'normal' 9-5 society, this would not be easy for me. After hearing what a good resource a friend's Therapist seemed to be, I asked if she could possibly send forward any referrals. Luckily, she responded quite quickly with a list of names. I was able to find someone willing to meet with me at 8am, which means I will only be 30 mins late to work that day. She was more communicative and responsive than any of the first 15+ I called. I'm optimistic. As expected, she doesn't take insurance. I pay up front and hopefully get something reimbursed. I don't blame her for not taking insurance. To me, this is the issue. I guess if I was 'really' bad, I could admit myself, or be admitted, into a mental hospital. I'd have access to professionals 24/7. However, since I am trying to function in a 'normal' society, I have to lie/make excuses on why I am going to be late to work and etc. I have to sneak around like I am doing something bad. It's degrading. To myself and to mental health overall. The fact that my insurance company website isn't updated. The fact that so many of the best Therapists and Psychs around don't even deal with insurance, because of how much that negatively impacts their business and interactions with clients. The fact that those same Therapists and Psychs can change amounts of money that most people trying to function on a 'normal' salary cannot afford. I consider myself lucky that because I have a good salary, and don't have kids, I can afford this right now. But what about if/when those factors change? I think about all of the people that might WANT help, yet it's simply not available to them. It's time for a change.

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