As some of you may know, my wife Suzy has RSD, received her SSDI a little over a year ago. The issue we are having is replacing her current doctor who does not except medicare and does not want to treat her any longer after 4 years. The effort is turning into the same situation we had years back trying to find a doctor who really treats RSD.

She has now seen four doctors. Keep in mind, our belief is a patient should interview the doctor first before both parties agree to a doctor-patient relationship. Before any treatment or meds are prescribed. Another words we are employing the doctor, not the other way around. At least that is what we think we are doing.

In short order this has been the results from these 4 doctors. First doc will only prescribe Lyrica. Seconded Doctor who owns a slew of Pain management clinics from NJ to Virginia, promised Suzy on the phone that he would see her personally. He didn't, instead had a rookie doctor try to sell her a spinal stimulator, that's all, nothing else. Third doctor told her, without seeing her records or evaluating her, told her he did not think she had RSD because RSD does not spread.

Today was the 4th doctor. Bear with me,---A month ago Suzy's doctor required all her patients to take a urine test. The cost we were told would be $85. We where billed $595. Of course her test came out good. The nurse at the doctors today handed Suzy a cup to take a urine test in which she refused, stating that she is not a patient yet and that she is only here to talk to the doctor and if we both agree to treatment then I'll take the test. The nurse said no, take the test. She refused. And I don't blame her. What criminal behavior does she have to prove never took place when their is no commitment from either party. I think this kind of behavior should be outlawed. But that is my opinion in which I'm quite damn sure me and my wife are correct about.

My question is how many members to we have that are on SSDI and medicare, are having major issues finding a doc and having to urinate in a cup before interviewing the doctor? Also, this may be a state issue, do you have to see the doctor once a month in order to receive your medications? I've heard of some folks going to the docs every 3 months and having their meds mailed.

Also, what I'm finding out is how limited medicare is to those on disability, not to those who are retired and on medicare, there is a difference. I'll first say I do not have group insurance from work, they do not provide it. I have independent insurance which my wife will never be able to use. My understanding is those disabled and on medicare are not qualified to choose supplemental insurance through medicare, only retirees are, is this true? I was told it was through medicare and perhaps AARP also. If so, what other recourse is there? The only add-on that I pay for is Medicare Part-D Drug Enhancement Plan, which allows Suzy to choose name brand drugs instead of being forced to take generics that clearly don't work. Other than that there seems to be a huge void in options.
Sorry for the long post.

jim