tells me it does not work and they can do nothing for acne marks. Is this true or is my doctor full of it?
2007-03-21 06:17:37 · 7 answers · asked by brandoleigh 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Sounds like the doctor is trying to save you money. It doesn't cost a doctor anything to refer you to a dermatologist, but you would probably still have a co-pay to see a dermatologist and then you would have all the prescription meds or topical creams they give you which are basically a crap-shoot. My brother went to a dermatologist during his teen years and the stuff they gave him did diddly-over-squat for his acne marks. I say take your doctor's advice and pass on it for now.
2007-03-21 06:27:15 · answer #1 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't cost anything, but your doctor may have some other reason. Either he/she does not want you seeing another doctor for some unknown reason, or he/she thinks your symptoms are so mild that any improvement you might see would be so mild as to be a waste of your and the dermatologist's time. It sounds more like the first one--if the marks are truly visible, there should be something a dermatologist can do about it.
2007-03-21 16:57:42 · answer #2 · answered by sarcastro1976 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your insurance company that discourages your FP from giving referrals.... remember, in medicine, it is ALWAYS about money. IF you see your FP for, say, a 20 dollar copay and he cures your problem, the "buck stops there". If, however, you ask for a referral, you have another copay, but so does the indsurance company, and it is in their best interest to have you see as few docs as possible, even if it is a good idea.
(Just as an aside, scars from acne are not curable, nor is their removal regarded as necessary---only cosmetic--- for your general health...So, this is a job for a plastic surgeon, or a dermatologist, either uses an acid or an abrasive.... and, of course, these types of treatments are on your nickel, not that of the insurance company. There is nothing that says you cannot see a derm yourself, and pay for it yourself, if you want the procedure. In today's health care system, only the bare bones minimum are provided for by insurance companies...
2007-03-21 15:15:04 · answer #3 · answered by April 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It does not cost the doctor anything to refer you to a dermatologist. However, he may be treating you for your skin care and may not want to lose you as a patient.
Sometimes your insurance company may need a referral from your general practitioner to see the dermatologist. This may take some time to do so and perhaps he doesn't want to bother.
Good luck and hope this helps.
2007-03-21 13:31:13 · answer #4 · answered by Diana M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends. Are you a member of an HMO. If you are, then it may cost the doctor to refer you to a dermatologist. Little known fact, some HMOs pay their PCP a bulk rate per month based on the number of clients (patients). If the PCP refers, this may decrease his net profit since the money is subtracted from what the HMO will pay him. This is an attempt to save the HMO money by providing an incentive for the doctor to spend as little as possible.
2007-03-21 13:43:37 · answer #5 · answered by misoma5 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
There is one situation where it may cost your doctor to refer you elsewhere. If you are a member of an HMO and your dotor receives "capitated" payments to supply all your medical needs. It would cost him directly for you to see the dermatologist. Ask if your HMO is "capitated"
2007-03-21 16:44:48 · answer #6 · answered by a simple man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO, no money is involved in a referral to a specialist.
2007-03-21 14:42:07 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋