Doctor didn't help

[jjac]

I made a double appointment. He said i'd need to come back and see someone else for a mental health plan. I then asked for just a referral and no plan and i'd pay, he said "next time." but that he recommends a psychologist referral. But didn't give me one. He then charged me $110 when the usual rate is $93 for a longer appointment. I got a blood test, that he didn't even want to give me because they cost $60 (for the government, mind you) and they "don't like to give every second patient those tests."

I tried but getting this guy blocking my path made me snap. I was rude and upset. My throat seized up and my voice started to go. He just said "ok. Calm down."

Turns out he has been a doctor for six weeks. He needs a lot more training before he'll be of any use.

I've struggled for years, after a decade on my own I decided it was time. The decided it wasn't. Now I have to take more time off work and book with someone else.

No doctor at this office has discussed my mental health, does that mean they can all knock me back? What was I supposed to do?

[blondguy]

Hello jjac

I hear you loud and clear...I am sad that you have had to go through what you have. Its just not good enough.

I have had severe anxiety/depression for many years...I would have been upset too..

I understand that you have struggled for years and when you have tried to get some support you have deal with a rookie GP. You only want to heal...with or without a mental health plan you are entitled to a referral..

They all wont knock you back....I attend a similar clinic with many doctors and when my GP isnt available I have the same feeling if I have to see anyone else.

You made a double appointment and usually a doc will take note that you didnt make that booking for nothing.

At this moment....(just my opinion of course) Try another doc....(process of elimination)....and even before you do...have a talk to friends/family to see if they have a good GP...and then see them...

I am disappointed that you were treated this way...You only wanted to have a referral....You have done well jj

As a paying customer of your clinic you are more than entitled to query the clinic (even over the phone first) that you require a doc that has some experience with mental health. This will save you the pain and grief you have just gone through. You should be able to get the referral you need without talking to a 'newbie' GP that is stuck and confused..

You come first jj....not them...

You have great strength...and I have seen you around the forums....you deserve better than this jj

Please let us know what you think....

Paul

[Kizzels]

Hi jjac,

My son and I have just had to go through getting a mental plan put in place. We both had to do a DAS test (depression, anxiety & stress). There are either 21 or 42 questions to answer. This helps the medical team determine the main concern. If your doctor has not asked you to do this I would request it and when you make your appointment tell the receptionist that your appointment is to put a mental health plan in place, and it may not hurt to ask her which doctor is more experienced with what you are going through.

Sometimes having an inexperienced doctor can be OK if you know what to ask for, otherwise try to see someone that has been ther for for a while.

Kizzels

[blondguy]

Hi again jjac...Im sorry to hi-jack your thread...

Hi KIzzels....Thanks for the update....always good to learn the latest protocols. In 1997 my female GP just dealt with my depression and anxiety and then referred me to get therapy...it took 20 minutes...I just really felt jj's frustration, especially if you just need a referral. I hope you and your son are doing okay

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[geoff]

hi Jjac, all of us feel the disappointment with you, because for this to happen is not what you would have expected, especially coming from a doctor only to find out he's been one for 6 weeks.
It's upsetting that you have struggled for years only to be meet with this doctor, and it may seem to be a set back for you, but let's take a moment here, because you can find a doctor on the BB site by clicking on 'Get Support' or you could ring the BB phone number, and as much as it may seem to be another effort, it's not, because you know that you need help.
When you see your next doctor maybe you could write down a very brief summary of yourself of just a couple of lines but then mention how long you have been depressed for and want to be put on a mental health plan.
The doctors under 'Get Support' are aligned with BB and treat those who are suffering from any type of depression.
You could also ask if they bulk bill before you make an appointment. Geoff.