1/2 a pill to disaster?
Jan 29th, 2007 by Michelle
I received a letter from my primary care physician that he suggest I seek medical help else where. No reason why. Just a letter to send me on my way. I found this out after I tried to get a refill on my meds. I am sure this is due to the fact I still owe a bill with them.
At first I tried to look for other doctors, psychiatrist, even the internet for ways to get my meds. The cheapest doc is $85 just to be seen a psychiatrist starts at $250. So I got really frustrated. I thought that they should know what their decision has done to me. Here is a copy of the letter that I faxed to them.
When I called into your office to request a refill of my medicine Alprazolam 1MG tablet last Friday, I was told that I was sent a certified letter stating I was no longer a patient of yours. Since you had my old address my mail to that address is being forwarded to the UPS store in Tampa and signed for by whatever employee is there at the time. I did not sign for the letter. Since my box was not paid for my mail was being held. After inquiring about it I received the letter. There was no reason stated for why I was being rejected as a patient. I can only assume it was because of money owed.
Last month when I asked for a refill of my prescriptions (nurse) had told me she would call them all in. Only Paxil CR was called in. I assumed all of my meds were called in, so when I was down to 3 pills I called CVS refill the alprazolam I thought I had on file with them. She informed me there were no refills.
Now I have ½ of a tablet left and you were the only doctor I saw. I have been taking meds for depression and anxiety since 2001. I was advised by the Psychiatrist in Georgia not to stop taking alprazolam or paxil cold turkey as it could cause seizures.
For other people it may be normal to find another doctor and just get another refill. It’s not that easy for me. Since I have a job paying $10 an hour with no benefits I make too much money for Medicaid. I have to work 55-60 hours a week just to be able to pay the minimum on my bills and things are even harder now that my rent is $1300 a month. No doctor appointment is under $85 and to see a psychiatrist is $250+ for 1st visit. I can afford a $10 alprazolam refill. I am not willing to quit my job so I can receive Medicaid and the only reason I am staying here is because I will have benefits and a pay raise if I stay 3 more months.
I spent over 1 year of being agoraphobic free and now that I am forced to stop taking my alprazolam the one med that works even better than the paxil I am afraid of what life is going to be like as a single mom and no meds.
I understand healthcare is a business like any other business. There have been many times in the last year or so I was very sick and I did not make an appointment because I did not have money to put towards my bill not to mention another prescription I may have to fill.
I just wanted you to hear a patient’s side of the results of your action.
Sincerely
Why can’t we be in a country where healthcare is available to all.
