What should I do for care?

[Twalli]

My new job has kind of strict regulations on where I can seek care and not have to pay out of pocket. I sometimes get very sick and my doctor isn't always available to see me.

For example, I got sinusitis on Thanksgiving. Luckily my mom could write a script for me to get me antibiotics, because none of my doctors were available. Yet, that won't always be the case.

The default if I can't get ahold of my doctors and something like that happens is to go to the Emergency Department, so I can get treated.

The nearest ED that I can go to and have coverage under my insurance is 3 hours and 3 bus rides away.

What should I do, because that's not at all efficent?

I can't switch jobs or move. At least not for a while few years.

[Oliverlogan263]

Wow, that's a tough situation to be in for sure. Having to travel so far just for basic urgent care sounds super draining. A few thoughts on options that might help:

- See if your regular doc has a nurse line you can call for advice when they're not available. They may be able to call in prescriptions if it's something minor.

- Look into telehealth services your insurance covers. Lots of places now offer virtual doc visits so you don't need to travel. Might be able to get quick care that way.

- Check if there are any urgent care clinics closer to you, even if they're out of network. May be worth it to pay out of pocket for convenience on something urgent.

- Consider setting up video visits with your doc too, so you can at least see them virtually and they know your situation better. May help for non-emergency things.

- Ask your job about flexible sick leave - maybe they'd let you work from home occasionally if you're under the weather. Every little bit helps.

- See if your insurance will makes exceptions if an in-network provider is truly not accessible. May take some fighting but worth a try!

Hope some of those ideas help. Really hope you can get this sorted - no one should have to travel so far just to feel better when sick. Fingers crossed a good solution comes up soon! Let me know if you need anything else.

[Twalli]

I work from home, but my doctors have days off and Thanksgiving is one where only emergency services are offered.

[Oliverlogan263]

Okay, thanks for providing that additional context. Since seeking emergency care that far away isn't really practical when you get sick on holidays or weekends, here are a few other options to consider:

- See if your primary care doctor's office has an on-call doctor or nurse line you can call for advice when they're closed. Many offer this to help triage care needs.

- Look into telehealth providers like Teladoc that offer 24/7 online or phone access to physicians who can diagnose common issues and prescribe medication if needed. A lot have partnerships with insurance companies now.

- Ask your mom if you can get a small supply of common medications (like antibiotics) to have on hand just in case. As long as they're not expired, taking them for a short time under her guidance could tide you over.

- Consider keeping a medical supplies kit at home with over-the-counter medications, thermometer, cold/flu remedies, etc. Being prepared can help you feel comfortable self-treating minor illnesses off-hours.

- As a last resort, urgent cares may be willing to bill your insurance as an out-of-network visit if it's after normal business hours and your situation is non-emergency but can't wait. It's worth an ask.

I hope some of those backup options are more convenient for you than the 3-hour ER trip. Taking care of yourself is important, so don't hesitate to use them if you start feeling under the weather when your docs aren't available. Feel better!

[Twalli]

Thank you for your suggestions. Most of the OTC medications, I have plenty of and anything from ibuprofen to naproxen can stop most pain. Yet they're like band aids to stop bleeding. The just tide you over. From personal experience, living with a doctor, on call physicians and medical professionals are generally swamped. They have to see well over the normal number and only see you based on first come first serve, barring life-threatening issues. As you'd just call 911 for true emergency services, you'd get the care you can ASAP.

[Oliverlogan263]

Man that really sucks, I can see why going to the ER would be your only option then if it gets bad. Dealing with doctors when they're swamped must be so stressful too.

I guess my ideas were kinda lame bandaid solutions if OTC meds only do so much. Living with a doctor I'm sure you already tried all that stuff anyway!

It still seems like a really long trip when you're not feeling good just to get seen. Maybe one last thing to try - what if you called the ER ahead of time to let them know your situation? Like explain you have no closer options and will be coming in if something comes up since your doctor can't see you. They might be able to work with you better or get you in faster since you gave a heads up?

I don't know, just throwing out any idea I can think of. I hope something gives and you can find a better temporary solution man. Really sucks to be stressed about care when you're sick, just want to feel better you know? Fingers crossed something works out for ya soon!

[Friendlybro79]

Do you have any telehealth options that can work for some stuff?

[DizzyDesii]

I honestly dk. I found out that my neurologist is now located 2 hours away and i pretty much have no choice but to go there or just not have the medicine i need. I haven't taken the meds since the summer anyways and will likely just settle for going out of town to the doc once or twice a year

[sage2021]

Call your doctor's office that helped you before with your sinusitis and if that doctor is not available ask if they can look up your information and one of the doctors send in a prescription to your pharmacy. 🤕

[Twalli]

I switched hospitals and healthcare plans by getting this job.