Today I had my appointment with (what I hoped) would be my new physician. On the bright side, the bar was set pretty low. As long as she wasn't openly terrible, I was ready to make the switch. Overall, I think it went well. In particular these were the positives:
When I had checked in at registration, they had asked what pharmacy I went to so I told them my usual location. When it came time to renew my prescription, it automatically went there instead of Cancer Agency. And thus began several rounds of phoning the pharmacy and the clinic without any kind of clear resolution. The pharmacy said they could fill it but would have to put it through my private insurance and also order it in. I could not see my insurance paying for a medication that normally the government pays for, so I didn't want to go that route. But at first the pharmacy told me they couldn't transfer the prescription to the Cancer Agency. So I called the clinic and asked if they could send the prescription to the Cancer Agency and had a very painful conversation with reception. It wasn't that she was rude per se, but just very disinterested in my problem and I had to repeat the same information multiple times.
In the end, it looks like the private pharmacy will be able to transfer to cancer agency. The most frustrating thing about this though is that there is no clear process. Neither primary care clinic seemed to be clear on who would do what. The cancer agency pharmacist was doing her best but no one was willing to work with her. And the private pharmacy basically said "we have nothing to do with them". And this is a drug that is on the clinical pathway. Shouldn't it be less of a nightmare to get it?!
However, as frustrating as it is, I am reminded to be grateful for the fact that this drug exists. That it is covered by our healthcare system. And that I have enough to tide me over until we untangle the convoluted mess that is re-ordering it. I believe these are what's known as "small mercies".
- Timely. I didn't have a very long wait in clinic and I was able to get an appointment the next day. This could be because she is still in the early stages of her practice but so far, so good.
- Location, location, location. The clinic happens to be located in my favorite mall. (It's my favorite because it is the mall with the most jewelry stores, among other things.) So I can see it being convenient to go there. Plus, there is underground parking which is always a plus in the winter.
- Responsive. I asked for a prescription refill and it was faxed right away. I had to get some lab work done and they did it at the on-site lab, and gave me the results right away. All good things!
When I had checked in at registration, they had asked what pharmacy I went to so I told them my usual location. When it came time to renew my prescription, it automatically went there instead of Cancer Agency. And thus began several rounds of phoning the pharmacy and the clinic without any kind of clear resolution. The pharmacy said they could fill it but would have to put it through my private insurance and also order it in. I could not see my insurance paying for a medication that normally the government pays for, so I didn't want to go that route. But at first the pharmacy told me they couldn't transfer the prescription to the Cancer Agency. So I called the clinic and asked if they could send the prescription to the Cancer Agency and had a very painful conversation with reception. It wasn't that she was rude per se, but just very disinterested in my problem and I had to repeat the same information multiple times.
In the end, it looks like the private pharmacy will be able to transfer to cancer agency. The most frustrating thing about this though is that there is no clear process. Neither primary care clinic seemed to be clear on who would do what. The cancer agency pharmacist was doing her best but no one was willing to work with her. And the private pharmacy basically said "we have nothing to do with them". And this is a drug that is on the clinical pathway. Shouldn't it be less of a nightmare to get it?!
However, as frustrating as it is, I am reminded to be grateful for the fact that this drug exists. That it is covered by our healthcare system. And that I have enough to tide me over until we untangle the convoluted mess that is re-ordering it. I believe these are what's known as "small mercies".