The Joys of HMOs

I'm sure everyone enjoys a visit to the doctor. Especially if that doctor is in a network with others that ineffectively make up an HMO. (To be honest, I don't know what HMO stands for. Could it be Hell Making an Office appointment? ) Anyway, the last few weeks I've had some really bad allergy problems...you know runny nose and sore throat. I have an ENT specialist so getting some relief shouldn't be a problem right? A ha...you're wrong!

I had an appointment today, which I actually had to start planning for two weeks ago when I called my PCP for a referral. She said she'd get it taken care of in a tone that said she had something else she needed to be doing. (I'm normally a person that waits until the last minute so I figured by giving her 9 days advanced notice I was a head of the game.) So, I take off early this afternoon and head over to the ENT doc. (That's ear nose and throat just in case you're wondering.) The receptionist was really nice as she asked me for my insurance card and then kindly informed me that there was no referral on file. What?!?!! I know I made that call two weeks ago. So I call my PCP and inquire as to what the deal is. Don't worry I'm assured...we'll have it right over. Well right over turned out to be 35 minutes later. Did I mention that my appointment was at 4:15pm and 35 minutes later makes it 4:50pm? Well, after paying my co-pay (I could have had a four course meal for what I shelled out) I get to be examed by my doctor for about 5 minutes. Long enough for him to tell me that I'll need further testing and the nurse will set that up for me. No prescription for the runny nose and sore throat or the swollen nostril that he found. Okay, so this means that I'll get in next week maybe. Guess again. I'll get in next month. Yep, I said next month. And that's the earliest appointment available. Anyone have a home remedy for allergies?

God bless the HMO.