Medication Complication

I’m having some major anxiety about running out of anxiety medication.

My old doctor, who I saw last month, was supposed to renew my Ativan prescription along with my other psychiatric meds. He neglected to do so, and when I moved to Idaho the countdown began. I couldn’t get an appointment here until the 19^th of October. My old medical facility graciously offered me a “bridge” of medication to cover the days until I could see a new provider.

And now, for your reading pleasure, a clusterf*** of massive proportions.

They assigned me to a new provider when I got here. Unfortunately upon calling her number I discovered that she no longer had a regular clinic to work at. She is what’s known as a floater for urgent care clinics, and she has been floating for two years now. So much for the accuracy of my insurance company’s information.

So I scheduled the appointment for the 19^th with another provider at her old clinic. I called my insurance company to verify that I could see this particular provider. But when I called to double check my coverage it turns out that she only accepts the standard version of my insurance, which is not the type that I currently possess. So I was forced to cancel the upcoming appointment and find yet another provider.

I can’t find a doctor to save my sanity, basically. I’ve called my insurance company at least five times trying to sort this out. Each time they referred me to the website, which is completely out of date and doesn’t even have current phone numbers for the listed providers.

I got a lead from a provider who said a few health clinics in the Boise/Meridian area actually take my health insurance. I made an appointment with a local nurse practitioner, but that glorious occasion will not take place until the 18^th of November. I searched, and searched, and searched for her name in my insurance database and finally found her. So I *think* I might actually be good. But I’m still not sure if my old doctor is willing to write me a prescription to cover my crazy ass until I can see this new provider.

So I got another lead through the behavioral health search tool for a nearby mental health clinic. The main providers are listed on the site, and therefore take my insurance. I’m fairly sure, at least. The guy who was available for a new patient? Not so much. The clinic told me to (HA HA HA MOTHER OF GOD) check the website to verify that I was covered before I came in on November 2^nd.

I’ve decided what my new profession will be. I will be in charge of verifying the accuracy of information on my insurance website. I figure I’m already halfway there, at this rate.

In the meantime, I have four more days of anti-anxiety medication. I may end up in the ER if I run out, which is a really fun prospect. Cutting out a controlled substance cold turkey can be difficult, especially if the drug prescribed is a benzodiazepine. In fact, Ativan is so addictive that you’re not supposed to be on it long term, and I’ve been on it or years.

Still no word from my old doctor.

Yikes.