Accessing and utilizing health insurance_S1

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Talking to your child’s doctor

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Scenario introduction

Your child’s PCP referred them to a lung specialist, but despite multiple calls, the specialist’s office hasn’t responded. You’re frustrated and unsure how to move forward.

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How do you approach the conversation with the PCP?

Step 1

"I’ve reached out to the lung doctor three times with no response. Can you help me follow up or suggest another provider?"

"I don’t know what else to do. The specialist isn’t responding, and I need you to fix this."

"I guess we’ll just wait and hope they respond soon."

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Key takeaway

Explaining the issue to the doctor You start by explaining the situation. What do you say?

Step 2

"I’m really worried about my child’s breathing. Can we come up with a plan together to make sure they get seen soon?"

"I really need your help making this happen. My child’s care depends on it, and I’m feeling stuck trying to get through to the specialist. Can you make the call while I am in the room?"

"I’ll just keep calling and see if they respond."

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Restart

Seeking a solution Now that you’ve shared your concern, what’s your next step?

Key takeaway

The PCP agrees to follow up with the specialist’s office before the end of the day, but doesn’t agree to make the call while you’re in the room. The tone becomes a bit tense, and the conversation moves on without much collaboration.

The PCP assumes that you have it under control and doesn’t offer to assist, and the situation may not be resolved quickly.

The PCP listens and explains that they sent the referral, but that follow-up is usually handled by the specialist’s office. They acknowledge the situation but don’t offer to reach out directly. Instead, they provide general tips for how to follow up. You leave with some information, but still feel unsure about what to do next.

The PCP acknowledges the issue and offers to reach out to the specialist’s office directly or provide an alternative referral.

The doctor suggests scheduling an urgent referral, contacting the specialist on your behalf, or looking into alternative specialists.

The doctor doesn’t realize the urgency of the situation, and no immediate action is taken to resolve the issue.