Psychiatrist-Anybody use a residency program with sliding scale?

[lemonflavor]

I'm in a bad spot. I'm not sure if I want to swich pdocs or not. I have major medical insurance with some drug coverage but it doesn't cover any doctor visits and the drug coverage runs out if I don't get help with samples. My doctor is pretty expensive and his nurse said recently they can't help with samples anymore. We're not making much money at all right now.

I looked up what sounds like a really good pdoc and found out how much more he charges compared to my pdoc! And no long term samples. They said they have a residency program where you see a resident psychiatrist, they may be able to help with samples and charge according to a sliding scale. But is it any good to see a doc with not much experience? My history is vast and I'm a complicated case that my own pdoc can't figure out.

[seven]

My pdoc is a resident. They have access to the pdocs and can consult as much as they like. When I was first evaluated, both of them sussed me out. I like that the clinic is attached to a research/university program. Keeps 'em on their toes. And my resident pdoc has the unique stamp of this place: so serious. I giggle the wrong way and they ask me why I'm laughing. sheesh!

7

[JBella]

I had two. One in New York who was amazing, and the other in Minnesota who was also amazing. The one in MN helped me apply for the patient prescription programs and I think the co-pay was $15. (?)

The way I see it: Make those residents work! They have to learn somewhere and they have their attendings to consult with. You can always ask them to consult for the next session.