I'm still scratching my head, trying to figure out why it took three hours to get immunizations and labs done for myself and the boys. I didn't expect the 10:20am appointment to last until 2pm, therefore didn't have adequate entertainment, food, and drink for them, which resulted in VERY cranky children. In fact, at the beginning of our day, the nurse practitioner told me that when I come back for my next appt, I should "find child care, since your children are difficult". Seriously. And that was only 20 minutes into this visit.
The combination of tired, hungry children who needed naps, three shots for JC, one for LB, one for me (damn you, tetnus booster), blood work for me and finger sticks for the boys made for a ridiculously exhausting day. Plus, I was measured at 5'7"... so I shrunk an inch? WTF?? And, I completely skipped picking up my referral for an eye doc (Mom, if you're reading, it's nothing, please don't worry!), but I have to go back for the pharmacy today anyway... I'm sure that will be a quick trip, ha.
I did have a very pleasant experience with my PCM, thank goodness. She spoke to me like an uneducated moron, but that's expected- I suppose the sad reality is that most people know nothing about how to raise children. I don't consider myself an expert, but she didn't tell me anything I didn't know, and I really liked her approach and philosophy on kids. She also called me at home to tell me the results of my TSH test and made the perfect call. It was .23 too high, but not high enough to really change the dosage, so she wants me to come back for a retest in 6 weeks. Awesome answer. LOVE it. It really makes me feel at ease when a doctor/NP uses a little common sense.
So overall impression, not good. The waits were far too long for each department, and thanks to these new military IDs, I have to tell everyone Hubby's SSN... which sucks if I have to shout to an old lady who's hard of hearing. Don't get me wrong- I love not having our SSNs printed on a card that I could lose! I just also would love not having to loudly recite one for all to hear (I'm petrified of identity theft).
NBHC Groton, please get your act together, or you will end up on my Shit List!
-Me
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6 comments:
Thus the reason I'll pay the extra $20 to see civilian doctors. In my experience: Naval Medical Centers are rarely a pleasant experience. Naval Hospitals and Medical treatment centers are already on my shitlist for diagnosing my husband with cancer, removing a testicle ... and then OOPS! It turned out to be an abscess and not malignancy like they anticipated. REALLY?! They weren't particularly apologetic. Fuck you very much, too.
Oh my GAWD.....
I can't imagine going through that. Was he, by chance, at the Charleston hospital (which I think is now closed down)? They're the only MTF on my shit list right now.
The best care I've ever received (civilian or military) was through Tripler Army Medical Center. So far, the Army's got the Navy beat big time when it comes to medical care!
About the new IDs--perhaps carry some paper and a pen and write it down so you don't have to shout it? Just write it really big, because those old ladies are not only deaf but probably blind as well.
Actually no ... the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton kinda f*cked it up.
LESIGH.
Granted, he's fine, all his bits and pieces work just fine with one versus two ... but the fact that they AMPUTATED a body part, didn't ask him if he wanted to consult a second opinion or wait for biopsy results ... that didn't sit well with me.
Quite honestly: I don't like that I have to put my husband's SSN on blast when seeking medical attention or filling out forms. I think I'm OK seeing civilian doctors from here and until the end of eternity.
I have a non-profit for healthcare (Martin's Point) and I will be sad to back to Tricare whenever we move. I love doing my medical care the civie way!
We moved to a civilian town three years ago after being at the mercy of the army, air force, and navy in that order. You know when you've lived on base too long when your kid says, "Why do we keep saying the same doctor over and over?" Ahhhh...
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