Can you just ring your neurologist? In which case, God Bless America.

[misslux]

I can call and speak to a nurse at the MS clinic or my GP who is part of a hospital. Or a nurse at the ministry (Telehealth Ontario).

I've experienced both US and Canadian systems as a PwMS/neuro issues and I'd take Canada in a heart beat. No question.

[AriD]

I used to have a wonderful neuro. She always called me back if I called and would either discuss my concerns or have me come in. She followed my progress with the timed walks, bladder scans, and neuro exam, etc. My last appointment with her I had vertigo while trying to do my timed walk. She had me lie down, stayed beyond her office hours and helped me to my car when I was better. Then called a couple of hours later to check on me at home.

Fast forward to this year when because of insurance changes I have new neuro. She forgets my symptoms during the appointment, mixed me up with another patient, and never called when my pt told her she thought I was having a relapse three months ago. Her exam takes about 5 minutes but there for an hour while she looks for my records, etc. I see her next week for routine appointment. Feeling like it is worth all the money I'll have to spend to switch back to my previous neuro. I know things aren't really going to change my course but it's nice knowing your doctor cares some.

[angel22_99]

[QUOTE=J-Bo;1451218][QUOTE=angel22_99;1451190]Don't worry, we here in the US will be right there with you soon, we just "fixed" healthcare, LOL (no one throw things at me please)

Not throwing things at you, just want to understand why you say that. Is healthcare worse now?

For me it is. For a measurable example, my premiums have gone up 15% in the last two years and whereas I had no deductible or out of pocket when I was treated for ON for three days in the hospital during Dec 2012, now when I went for possible ON in March, it was a $200 deductible and 10%.

For an anecdotal example, the ERs and walk-in-clinics are even more packed than they were in 2012. I feel like I am rushed every time I go to the neurologist and I feel pressure to move to more of an "MS Clinic" instead of the one doctor that I know and (somewhat, lol) trust (trust but verify!).

I sleep better now knowing that everyone has access to insurance, especially for people with chronic illnesses like MS.

Honestly unless you have a serious chronic illness, I still don't think the ACA is worth it. If you go to the doctor once a year, wouldn't it be better just to pay the money out of pocket, say $500 - $1,000 once, instead of hundreds a month and a high deductible?

Sure, you can get appendicitis, but most ERs would have treated you and you could have worked out a payment plan after. Insurance has always been a hedge to a gamble. I'm just afraid the ACA's ultimate outcome will be mediocre health care for all.

Ultimately, I'm only posting this because someone asked. I really don't want to debate on this topic because I really do see the merits of healthcare for everyone (plus I am a terrible debater!).

(trying not to make paragraphs too long!)

[Tracelyn]

My Specialist also has a PT Portal that I can leave a message. I can usually expect a call within 24 hours from either a nurse or PA.
However, that being said, it is hard to get into the office to see he doc on short notice.

I will complain that last month I sent her a message to let her know that I was having some symptoms indicating a relapse and explained the symptoms.

The response I got was 3 questions..
Are you still smoking?
Are you taking your D3?
Are you checking your glucose levels?

My response was:
1: Still smoking
2) Yes, still taking the D3
3) I have no idea what my glucose levels are, as I am not diabetic nor been advised to check my levels.

I got the following response and heard nothing back:
1) Smoking is bad for MS
2) Take more D3
3) Diabetes can cause the same symptoms.

This has kind of put me off, as this doctor replaced my original specialist after she moved to WA to open her own practice.

I will say however, I do feel that I am able to contact the doctor and I will get a response, maybe not what I wanted.. but I get a response.

[pennstater]

My neuro will return call same day if I have called with symptoms appearing or worsening. He knows I don't call unless I have waited at least 24 hours. He has called me as late as 9 pm. If I call with general question, his assistant usually will return call after reviewing with him. I know I am lucky when I hear everyone else's horror stories.

[laurasari]

I go to a large MS center. I can call or use pt portal either way someone who has spoken to the dr calls me back within 24 hours. I see the dr 2 times a year. I live in Fl end of Oct till end of April. I am in Ma the rest of the year and my dr is fine with that just. Call if you have a problem he tells me when I leave.

Never rushes us when we are there. I make my appointments 6 months in advance so I don't know how getting a quick appointment would be haven't needed one when I was there. good luck laurie