[JBaby]

Hi this is not baby related but not sure where else to ask.

DH has had a problem with his wrist for about a year. He went to the GP who referred him to physio. He went to physio for a few months no improvement. Went back to GP and got referral for ultrasound, still couldnt find what is wrong. GP asked if he had private health insurance and he said no and wrote him a referral to a wrist specialist.

DH called the specialist today and was told they only see patients who have PHI, no exceptions. So DH calls the GP and gets a new specialist name and when he called got same answer (only take private patients).

He calls the GP surgery again and tells them what happened and they basically said dont know "maybe we can refer you to a teaching hospital, will see what we can do" and they have no idea what that would involve or how long it would take.

We had no idea that specialists wont take public patients when deciding not to get PHI. And now it is a "pre-existing" condition we can't just go out and get PHI as we wouldnt be covered for it.

Does anyone know of a WA wrist specialist that will see people without PHI? We know it might be expensive but at this stage we just want to see someone and figure out what is wrong?! We are SOR but will travel.

[envs]

Try going to a GP that bulk bills...they will have a list of specialists that treat public patients, but can be long...don't know any specialists myself. sorry

[kay11]

Wow. I'd go the teaching hospital route. It might take a while, but we go through it for immunology and they've been good.

[Fossy]

Seems odd they wouldn't see you if you're willing to pay. Did you advise them you're willing to pay all fees upfront?

Otherwise, look on your public hospitals website and see what doctors practice there, or ring and ask for a list? Im sure they'd be able to help you out. Good luck.

[JBaby]

Thanks for the replies. Yes we did say we are willing to pay upfront but they still said no.

I will try to find a list of public hospital specialists...

Kay, does a teaching hospital just mean where all the new doctors train at when they finish their degrees? Do you have any idea how long things take (eg months or a year?)

[SeaPrincess]

You could also try calling PHI companies and find out what the waiting period would be for coverage. It might not take as long as the waitlist (assuming you can even find one). Or call one of the private surgeries and ask them if they know of a public specialist.

[au*lit]

He probably needs to be referred to an outpatient clinic at a public hospital.

A teaching hospital is basically a big public hospital. In Perth they include Charlie's/QEII, Royal Perth, Joondalup and Fremantle (and Princess Margaret & King Eddies, but they won't help your DH).

[doctorseuss]

You'll need to go back to your GP and he / she can send off the referral to the local public hospital. The wait is likely to be long. Has your GP done an MRI? That may give you answers (I assume from your post that the cause is uncertain.). It will cost you but is worth it.

If you can, join private health insurance now as the waiting time may be shorter than the public hospital waiting list. Sad but true, especially for orthopaedics.

I find it strange that the specialists won't even see you, so keep asking around and you may find someone.

[lollipopcreative]

PHI will cover pre existing conditions after a 12 month wait. You should also be able to get cover for a wrist on a low / medium level of cover. Others are right, that might be quicker than waiting on a public waiting list.

[trishalishous]

id just get PHI as well. I have a hernia and its been a 5 month wait to ever SEE the specialist, let alone have the op (Im rural, and wasnt able to drive to perth and go private so Im stuck waiting down here)