We use that phrase without giving much thought to what we mean when we say it. What does it mean for you?
One of the things that I have a low tolerance for is a lifestyle that looks like a revolving door of doctor visits and lab tests. Quarterly is too often for me. Even six month intervals is too frequent for me. Is it just me, or do doctors in general tend to want to see you again in three months? My primary physician has given me a list of tests to get before the next visit. I don't think it is necessary or worthwhile to get these test every 3 months. I have Stage 2 Lymphoma, yes, but there is nothing they can do about it. What is the point of monitoring my body every 3 months? I think the point is income for the doctor. I think the medical group pressures their physicians to get the most billable hours they can, and they see in me a way to get the insurance to pay for it. But what about me? Do they consider at all what the frequency of tests and doctors does to me, emotionally and psychologically? Do they consider the stress it causes for me to have these frequent reminders that stir up anxiety all over again?
I have pushed back and they do not hear me. So here is my plan to get the healthcare routine of my choosing.
First, I selected an HMO for 2026.
This means the primary physician must request prior authorizations for EVERYTHING they think is necessary. And then it goes through a review process by the HMO and I am hoping they will NOT approve everything.
Second, delay!
This means I am not going to call the primary physician's office to remind them that it is on them to get prior authorization for the scheduled appointment and lab tests ordered. They also have to get prior approval for me to see any specialists. So, about a week before the March appointment, I will call and ask them if these things are authorized. I am counting on them to fail.
In my December visit, I reminded the doctor that I have new insurance next year that requires prior approval and she said something like, "I'm referring you, that's all you need." I did not argue. I did not ask the front desk anything either as they set the next appointment and told me to get the tests a week before the next visit.
They are not going to do anything, I would win a bet on that, unless I call in January and remind them that I have an HMO that requires them to get everything authorized in advance.
The March appointments will have to be rescheduled. Aww. So sad. (LOL)
Third, delay again!
A couple of weeks before the rescheduled appointments, call and tell them I am going out of town and need to reschedule.
Finally, make them listen.
This means not doing a colonoscopy and CT scan in 2026. I simply will not do it unless I choose to. The doctors are not listening to me. I will make them listen.
I disagree with the recommendations. For me, it is too invasive to get all of these tests so often. It's not helping me at all. It is only helping them!
As I said, there is nothing they can do about the type of lymphoma I have. As long as I have no symptoms, treatment is not recommended. And here's the more important piece: if and when they recommend chemotherapy/radiation, my decision has already been made. No. Thanks, but NO! That is my final decision. Anyone who pressures me to reconsider will be avoided as someone who does not understand me and/or is being selfish at a time when I need people to understand and support my choice.
I am done with this vicious cycle. I have been down this road before and I hated it. I was happiest when I quit going to doctors and simply lived my life and relied on diet, exercise, fun, and stress management to feel my best.
❤
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