How do you get to talk to a doctor in US for more than 5 minutes?

Question

I have a problem that doctors around don't seem capable of addressing. Something with my eyes, it is irrelevant here.

I've seen many doctors, including the two top Dallas ones in the field and they just didn't get it, in the little time they could devote to it. And it's bad (for me).
So I started looking out of state for alternatives.

In Boston, Mass, for example, they told me a doctor could see me if I go there on 18th of February. Hell I lose vision by the day!

Same is everywhere else and, worst of all, I've already seen it at work. Even if you're admitted tomorrow, you're going to see a doctor for about 3 minutes regardless of what your case is. Their time is scheduled for a 3 minute case.

Is there some place or some way I can get to pay to a doctor in a fashion similar to the way I would pay an attorney or an accountant and book as many hours as I deem appropriate for resolving my case?

Something like a private health investigator that you actually get to talk to?

I do have insurance and I can certainly afford to pay per hour at almost whatever rate, if one existed at all.

Suggestions to see an optometrist are plainly stupid (sorry!) given I stated I've seen the best two doctors in the area. I have certainly made my way through optometrist and no, they do not usually refer you to the right places. Correction, they do not usually refer ME to the right places, should they refer to anything at all.

I am split between awarding best answer to the guy who simply spells it out clearly - YOU CAN'T (which is what I've come to and is just hard to take in) and the guy who sends me to alternative healthcare, for the good will and at least somewhat direction.

I need to buy time from a top notch eye / face / nerve specialist. I can certainly afford it.

What nails me is that there's nobody willing to take my money in this wholly money run country!
Talk about irony...

Answer 1

Your eyes should be taken care of by an optometrist, & if it is somethinghe can't handle, he will send you to an opthamologist, who can send you for an MRI or any other medical treatment you might need.

Answer 2

I don't know but I have looked at the other answers and going to the eye doctor is not a bad idea.

If you have a doctor in the family maybe you can talk their ear off and they would have a suggestion for you.

You are saying that NO doctor has come up with any idea about what is wrong with you? They have absolutely no thoughts on the subject. What are they going to medical school for? For big bucks, golf club, new cars and condos and trips to God knows where to get away from us the paying customer of their services.

Answer 3

I sounds like you are going to the wrong doctors....keep in mind there are a lot of sick patients out there. You need to be very clear on your situation, and doctors will serve their own patients first, since they are cofortable with them and have seen them for years in most cases......now, have you tried offering cash? You would be amazed at how many doors would open! Again this is your health and you need to find a good doctor that will work to be your advocate for life. Some of the best doctors are the busiest, they are in high demand, so keep that in mind. I recommend getting the book, "Healthcare for Less" by Michelle Katz. This book helped to guide me to a better doctor and better health insurance.....I now have an HSA and have saved a ton of money. Again, you need to establishe that relationship with a good doctor....ask around....ask nurses who deal with the doctors, look up their credentials on line, and when you make an appointment, explain your concern and ask if they woud accept cash.....when you get to the office, exaplain to the doctor that you cannot afford to pay, but your healthcare meant so much to you and you heard he/she was the best, that it was worth every penny, but let him/her know that it was a struggle to save the money, and maybe ask if they could recommend a good insurance that he/she likes, or "prefers to deal with." Unfortunately, this is what we have to do sometimes, but "Healthcare for Less" will be a great guide to help get you through this.....

Answer 4

You can call a private doctor and ask for a long consultation.
Have you thought about visiting a naturopath? They usually spend at least an hour with you. (On your first visit at least) and about 3/4 of an hour subsequently. There must be some who are particularly interested in sight and they could probably give you some simple things to do to help yourself. Good luck. Hope things get sorted out soon.

Answer 5

Do you have insurance? If you don't have any then they are probably only giving you the minumum amount of time required by law. If you have a problem with your eyes (which is relevant) then why don't you go to an optometrist. Get an eye exam and they check for all kinds of things. You can even tell them whats wrong and then they could probably tell you what to do from there.

Answer 6

I understand fully...just had the same thing happen to me only it was a Veteran's Administration Dr. I hardly got to talk and explain my situation to her. And not only that but they immediately form an opinion and you are stuck with it. Would dearly love for a Dr. to allow me to talk for once and then get their advice. It isn't like I need to go on and on about my complaint but I feel as though they could care less. And yes, after sitting in the waiting room for an hour and a half I got all of about 5 minutes with her.

Answer 7

Sorry! You can't get to talk to a doctor. Because they are all knowing and they are so above you. It would be an insult to them to think you would expect them to lower themselves to speak to you. Or to answer any questions you may have. I mean why do you have the need to know? Just take what ever pill they say to take and shut up!

Answer 8

i might not be much help here, but go see your eye doctor an tell him about it. and or ask anyone in your family if they have the same thing an what did they do about it.do you wear glasses? maybe you need a better check-up.