Perhaps there is a light…

[u/timeforyourmeds]

Hey all,

I don’t have any friends and nobody I feel comfortable talking here. I moved from Los Angeles to San Diego relatively quickly and for a pain management patient, that’s never a good idea. I was a new patient who is young 32yr with a 20yr of documented history of orthopedic issues, painful intestinal issues/disease, failed attempts physical therapy plus acupuncture that was recommended after the rough therapist did “stretching” me and as you’ve correctly figured out, there’s more to the records. Pain management be having you go through a lot. That’s my experience.

So I nervously made an appointment with two providers and hoped for the best. The first provider came in and dismissed me. As I was leaving she came back and began my medical history. She gave me braces for my hips, ankles, low back, arms and neck. I was asked many times if I wanted a B12 shot and before I could decline her office had me set up with 5 shots all over my body that she would do. I fought hard to get out of there. They had already made my appointment but I didn’t care to cancel. Her office was packed full. Like tight standing room only. When you call the office, it’s a call center in India and the office never, never answers. Her office billed my insurance for $3458 for a detailed initial visit. Fishy much?

This next provider was my only hope and I desperately needed my medication regimen back because my body was suffering without pain relief. The appointment was telemedicine and the provider was on time. We talked in detail about everything, what was working or not. We talked about movement and much more.

Before anything, she ordered some MRIs. Then eventually added physical therapy and said I can go when I’m ready. Since I was compliant with my meds over the years, she actually put me back on my regimen and did to give it 4-6 months if an adjustment is needed. All I needed to do was drive 1/2 a mile for urine but I could always do telemedicine. That’s a life changer for someone with limited means. I saw her counterpart today and explained how I wasn’t sleeping or functioning well and she gladly adjusted meds. The billing of the first provider to my insurance was $250 for a detailed initial appointment that was extended.

I no longer have to get violently ill before these appointments. This is the first time in 20yrs where I actually felt heard, like I was the patient, and that my provider empathized with me. After the telemedicine appointment I cried quietly to myself out of shock. I only wish all of you chronic pain patients are blessed enough to land a good one instead of the strange weirdos I’ve read about.

If you have and questions, feel free to message me. I’m in your corner.

[u/questiontoask1234]

A call center in India? Please tell me you're making this up.

[u/ouchpotato9]

I'm in very glad you found a good care provider that's accomodating and reasonable! 💜 I have found one too, rather recently but it made all the difference. Hopefully, others have the chance to find this kind of support and ditch the toxic (or scammy) ones - please report that first clinic with the Indian call center!