The Military's Free Healthcare...Worth Every Penny

I've had my fair share of clinic visits from the small amount of time we've been apart of the Air Force. My family and friends know me as being somewhat accident-prone and by somewhat I mean highly accident-prone. So one big benefit of being in the military for us has been my ability to essentially see a doctor whenever I need to. I don't even want to imagine what our medical bill last year would have been if we weren't in the military. However, like many things involved with the military, getting the right kind of medical attention you need can be stressful at times. 

The idea for writing this post came to me on my most recent visit to my PCM (we will call him Dr. IdontListen) to get an opthamologist referral. It was my first time seeing Dr. IdontListen and I wanted to do a followup with him on some medical issues I had at our last base. After browsing Pinterest for 45 minutes in the waiting room, my name was finally called. I followed one of the nurses into a medical room, where I was asked a number of common, routine questions. I then proceeded to wait another 40 minutes until Dr. IdontListen finally made an appearance. I got a number of indications within the first few minutes of meeting him that this visit was not going to go well.

Indication #1: He was wearing blue jeans. A doctor wearing blue jeans is cool if you're in a 1980's movie staring Michael J. Fox, but in real life I would prefer a professional appearance from the person whose job it is to keep me alive.

Indication #2: Dr. IdontListen's first words walking in the door were, "so...are you a worrier?" Translation to me:"so...are you a hypochondriac?" That made me feel real comfortable.

Indication #3: Since we were off to such a great start, Dr. IdontListen decided there was no need for an examination, and he would just jump straight to prescribing drugs. With a smirk he tells me there is no need to take into consideration previous SPECIALISTS' recommendations or even LOOK at my eyes.  How can he possibly know what to give me...is he psychic? At this point, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to start looking for his diploma on the wall and make sure it doesn't read "Hogwarts School of Medicine."  

Indication #4: I went home and immediately called an opthamologist (aka. expert when it comes to eyes) who told me not to use the drops that were prescribed to me and that Dr. IdontListen is insane!!! 

So bottom line, my visit did not go well. I have spoken to a number of other people since my visit who have had Dr. IdontListen and have had similar issues with him...

If you are apart of Tricare PRIME (as I am), you may be assigned to a PCM that you don't particularly care for. It is important to know that you have options. 

1) For one, you can switch your PCM. Switching your PCM is typically a straightforward and pain-free process - you can switch at anytime, provided the new PCM is accepting new patients. 

• The easiest way is to call HUMANA at 1-800-444-5445 and speak to a representative so they can put in your request. 
• You can also change your PCM by completing a  TRICARE Prime Enrollment and PCM Change Form with the new PCM's name (once you've picked one out) and address. You only need to complete the portion of the form related to the PCM change. Mail the form to Health Net (their address is listed on the form) and the change will become effective once the application is received and processed by your regional contractor.  For more information, visit http://tricare.mil/mybenefit/home. 

2) If you would really prefer to see a doctor of your choosing, then consider participating in TRICARE Standard.

• TRICARE Standard provides the most flexibility to TRICARE-eligible beneficiaries. It gives beneficiaries the opportunity to see any civilian TRICARE-authorized provider. 
• There may be additional fees you will have to pay under TRICARE Standard (i.e. cost shares and deductibles) depending if the doctor you wish to see is in the authorized TRICARE network or not, but for some these fees are worth any additional cost. (TRICARE Prime vs. Standard will be explained in another post)

Lastly, I thought I would end this post with some helpful tips from (abc.com) for the next time you do see your PCM or any doctor. Some hints that I need to remember as well!!

• You are the Expert on You: trust your gut feeling - if something doesn't seem right, believe your instincts and speak up...it is your life that is on the line. 
• Be Organized: make a list of what is bothering you before you go so you can remember everything that needs to be addressed and then you can prioritize these issues with your doctor.
• Don't Go Alone: everybody needs a health buddy - it can be your spouse (if possible), a family member, a best friend...you just need another set of eyes and ears to help you plan and listen to your doctor. Studies show that up to 50% of patients forget what the doctor has told them the minute they walk out the door. Your health buddy can take notes, help you follow through on your doctor's advice and be another set of ears to remember any instructions! 
• Know Your Goal for Every Condition: don't passively accept medication (ooops!) not knowing the purpose or the goal the doctor is trying to achieve. Write down the target goal and measure your progress. Often, people are under or over or mistreated with medications.
• Follow Up on Tests Results: don't assume "no news is good news." Tests results can be easily misfiled, misplaced or even misread. You need a copy of every blood test result, X-ray report and pap test or EKG. Give your doctor a self-addressed stamped envelope and ask for a copy. You are legally entitled to any information in your file. 
• Carry Basic Medical Info With You at All Times: you need to plan for emergencies so you can ensure you get the proper care. When faced with an emergency (i.e. Hurricane Katrina, a car accident or acute illness while on the road) you should always have on you a form that lists your allergies, blood type, every pill you take and the dosage, immunizations and emergency contact. Click here for an emergency form you can fill out and carry with you. 

In the word's of my mother, "be an advocate for your own health." And...unless his name tag reads "Doogie Howser M.D," be suspicious of a Dr. that wears blue jeans ; )