I am looking for a doctor(s) in san jose, ca., who will treat patients with positive T.B. skin test. Medi-cal.

Question

The only insurance I have is Medi-cal. The county is aware of test result, but would much, MUCH rather be treated at a local hospital or a private Doctor who specializes in infectious diseases. I dislike the way Santa Clara County T.B. Clinic(Health Dept.) handles positive T.B. patients. My T.B. is not active(meaning my white blood cells have encased the virus, or contained it -so to speak. Chest x-rays are negative. But the County is so overloaded with work, that it would take forever to be treated. It took them over 3 months just to get my chest x-ray taken. I would like trhis handled in a proffessional, timely manner. Knowing that any one infected with the T.B. virus has a greater chance of developing full-blown active T.B. within the first 2 years of initial infections. I know further treatment should be done, but I want a good Doctor or a hospital like Good Samaritan to complete my treatment. Like I stated before: I have Medi-Cal insurance. I'm having difficulty finding provider.

Answer 1

Look in your local phone book under physicians and choose a pulmonologist or "lung" or "diseases of the chest" doctor. Call and ask if they take Medi-cal. Many people have a positive TB test but do not have TB or "active" TB. I have been tested so many times that I am "positive" because I am allergic to the test. I am guessing that your health department doesn't consider you a major threat to the community so in their bureaucratic way they are getting to you eventually. Your treatment is EXACTLY why I am not a fan of socialized medicine!!!! What if you are shedding the virus all over the place? What if you develop active TB? Not likely - I know- but prompt treatment is necessary and just not that difficult or time-consuming for the doctor/hospital. If you like Good Samaritan, you might also call them and ask if they have an affiliated pulmonologist that they can refer you to that takes Medi-cal. Good luck to you.

Answer 2

contact the health department they have a listof doctors who take your medical insurance and can help you as well on this matter. . my opion?