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"Oh, we don't cover that."
"You don't cover annual physicals?"
"No, we cover annual wellness visits. It's not the same."
"Really?"
"Yes, one is an actual stem to stern physical exam, the other is where you sit down and talk about your health."
"Uh, okay."
Later on the phone with my doctor's office ...
"Medicare wants you to call it a wellness visit, or they won't pay for it."
... silence, clicking of computer keys ... "Oh yes, you're on Medicare now, someone didn't update your record. I'll take care of that for you."
And so it goes ...
Anyhoo, I intend to discuss my recent knee issues. No doubt I'll be referred to a specialist. And that's just peachy keen, no, really, it is. I mean I'm retired now, what else do I have to do but go to various doctor offices? I mean, I've got the time, right?
Sigh ...
After action report to follow.
Getting old is interesting to say the least.
"How did you hurt yourself?"
"I got out of bed awkwardly."
"Ah, yes, happens all the time."
"Should I start wearing padding or leg braces or something?"
"Nah, just take it slow first thing in the morning."
I think I'm going to move my coffee maker upstairs. Brew it and drink it in bed, so I can, ya know, take it slow first thing.
I suppose getting decrepit beats the alternative.
That's all for now, I have to stretch before I get up from my computer ...
GPs are good (if you can find one when you need one), but specialists usually know what they are doing in their specialty.
ReplyDeleteThe wait times can be aggravating, but if you are looking for the truth instead of just someone to talk to, it is usually WORTH the wait.
True.
DeleteJust think of the medico visits as breaks from staring at the computer screen during game time Sarge........:)
ReplyDeleteThere is that.
DeleteGetting old isn't for the weak or faint of heart.
ReplyDeleteNope, it surely is not.
DeleteConfounding doctors can be the reward of wellness visits. When they have no real idea, "good genetics" is the diagnosis. My doctor worried about my cholesterol, so a test was ordered to determine the amount of blockage in my heart, and major blood vessels near the heart. They shook their head, and stated how they would normally prescribe a statin in my situation, but since the test revealed a zero on possible heart problems, gave me the decision. I said no, and my doctor said I have good genetics. Maybe so.
ReplyDeleteSarge,
ReplyDeleteWell...the alternative to getting older has some severe consequences. Just sayin'
juvat
That reminds me of the episode of The Office where Michael Scott liked to have fresh bacon first thing in the morning. He had his George Foreman grill in his bedroom, and when he got out of bed, he accidentally stepped on it burning his foot. Be careful not to spill your coffee.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're full of wellness.