So after 33 years where I’ve been off and on with my psychiatrist including 22 years of straight treatment I am now facing paying for my psdoc visits.
We have bulk billing out here where the government pays the whole bill and it’s often up to the provider to decide on whether there’s fees which is usually about situation and income.
So got the dreaded email. It’s not all bad but what happens is the government only provides medical to a certain level so the clinician charges over you pay the difference. It also means I need to keep the whole fee in my account money wise because it’s charged then refunded so as a cronically poor person it’s totally changed how I do things…
So soon to ring shrinks office and sort out some stuff. Doing gangbusters and not pissed at my circumstance. My doc is older and will retire within a decade…I am more worried about the next generation who won’t have access to such a good doctor for no cost. IT’s really helped me live a rich and realised life with schizophrenia. And. He’s gotten me to this good space…
As Joni Mitchell once sang. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone!
Right i see, so you hold onto the full fee and then wait until its partially refunded. A bit of an inconvenience by sounds of it. At least you have a decent pdoc youve had all this time!
Yeah it’s been a good ride. He’s helped me no end but just a sign of the times out here…Privatisation of medical just doesn’t work. I’ve lived in America where health assets are mostly for the rich and a more robust , social model will not only help everyone but also lead to better health outcomes for all.
It’s dumb where only the rich who profit anyways get the best healthcare.
Just had a chat and the price isn’t bad. Pay $91 fee and get back $86 but I need basically $100 in the bank and that is the problem for someone with $10 in their account waiting for a two week payday!