BM> That is a very broad generalization.  If that has been your
BM> experience with your HMO it would be my first suggestion to switch to
BM> another.
I was treated for a non-existent bladder infection for several years by
our local HMO until I rebelled, went to another doctor, and insisted
upon confirmation of the unknown virus I was supposed to have.  Turned
out that a competent urologist at the University of Washington clinic
told me that my symptoms were consistent with those of a bleeding
bladder, proved it by an examination in the operating room, and handed
me a diet.
If I stick to that diet, I don't have any of the former symptoms.  So I
have given up coffee and some other foods and feel much better.
The HMO saves money by not referring people like me to one of their
specialists.  That is the theory, but I had multiple visits and much
antibiotics instead which cost a lot more than the consult with a
competent urologist would have in the first place.
And, I also saw a male urologist in private practice who failed to
diagnose this properly and wanted me to undergo anesthesia once a month
to have my bladder dilated.  As I am highly allergic to several drugs
and some foods, I declined that solution.  He did not mention the
bleeding bladder.
BM> The patient bears a considerable level of responsibility for their
BM> own care.  If anyone blindly accepts what a doctor says merely
BM> because they have MD after their names then they probably deserve the
BM> treatment they receive.
I am a nurse, stuck with this thing after the microscopic amounts of
blood were detected in my urine through one doctor after another until I
finally found the right one.  And that was by accident, after I rebelled
and demanded a test to find the supposed virus.  I doubt if many people
have the knowledge to do the same thing after seeing half a dozen
doctors who didn't know what was going on!
The only place around here with the ability to test for a virus was the
U. of W.  And, the urologist in question there is female.
Since then, I have tried to find female doctors on the theory that some
of them must be better than their male counterparts to succeed, and that
they cannot possibly be any worse.
---
 þ SLMR 2.1a þ I practice thinking because I practice what I preach.
---------------