The Queen of Optimism

Today was my first visit with a Gastroenterologist in about 10 years.  My first visit and first colonoscopy was at age 9.

I’m scheduled for a colonoscopy (my third) and an EGD – esophagogastroduodenoscopy (my first).

If you want a laugh, do an image search for gut.

Today was my first real experience with the downside of having an HMO.  I had a quick review of systems with a resident (who was awesome) and a brief exam – just some pushing on my abdomen.

Next, the Gastroenterologist let me know I need both procedures “to make sure you don’t have something very, very serious going on like Barrett’s Esophagitis, Colitis, or Crohn’s.  If you don’t have Barrett’s Esophagitis, Colitis, or Crohn’s then you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  Are you familiar with IBS?”

“Ye..”

“It just means you have a sensitive gut.  Here’s a pamphlet.  You have Super-Insurance-Giant  HMO so you won’t follow-up with me, you’ll follow-up with Dr. PCP.  Ok?  So have a Merry Christmas because I won’t see you again.”

“Ok.  Can I get these procedures done before the end of December?”

“Yep just tell the ladies.”

I was ushered to a room where three schedulers sat.  It was a systematic process, I was scheduled, and boom – out the door.  Prior to leaving, I had to sign a form acknowledging that the Gastroenterologist will not be following up with me – that all future related information will be communicated by my PCP.

I have a great PCP, so I don’t mind too much but is a PCP really the best person to manage Crohn’s?  I only pick Crohn’s from the list of possibilities because my sister has Crohn’s and in the past, I was told I had the beginnings of Crohn’s.  Not sure what that really meant but that was during my scaredy cat phase.  I did whatever I could to avoid the possibility of scary medical news.

For both procedures, I have to avoid Ibuprofen for at least 5 days prior as well as all multivitamins and my iron and Vitamin D.  I’m a little bummed that I need a driver for both procedures.  We simply have no one to help us out in these situations and due to a recent extended illness my husband has had, he is out of sick time for more than a year.

I’m incredibly grateful to have health insurance, even if it’s an HMO that in some cases, offers me only drive-thru service.

How’s your health insurance?  Have you ever experienced the office visit drive-thru?  Is a PCP the best person to manage a Gastroenterological problem?

Love to hear from you!

All links are to health information are to the National Institutes of Health because I essentially work for the Federal government and I am indeed here to help you.

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: | colonoscopy, downside of HMOs, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, gastroenterology, HMO, undiagnosed chronic illness