Bipolar Type II Support Group

What do you look for in a good psychiatrist? I am about to fire my second one. I have not seen the Dr. once. I see the nurse who gives me prescriptions for refills and I go my way. I pay the copay for specialist which is 55 dollars! That is some gig he has, she does the work and he gets the money. He would see me only if I request it but he does not see patients. I asked all kinds of questions before I chose this practice but it did not occurred to me to ask if I would ever see the Dr. I could get refills form my family Dr. and in a regular visit he would be more concerned about my general well being than she is

Yikes! I definetly would ask about how oftenyou can be seen by the Pdoc and how much time is spent in a face-to-face assessment and follow up visits. Also ask if needed can you call between appointments. I would look for someone who is personable.

I would have taken for granted that I would see the doctor. Guess now I know you can't with them.

I would have too. I would almost want to report the guy.

WTF????? I have never heard of this before.. How does he know that he is giving you the right meds then?? Did someone do an initial assessment with you? Do you have a therapist or counselor or someone that you see on a regular basis? Who is monitoring your moods and meds? What kind of practice is this?

Go somewher else. You have the right to see the doctor.

Thanks everyone! I am currently seeking a new psychiatrist and have a difficult time deciding who to see; they are all very alluring in the description of their practices, but they are just advertising to get new patients. The reports from patients are very few to make an informed decision. I will definitively report the one whom I pay for services he does not provide. Thanks again for your guidance I was wondering if I had unrealistic expectations.

Who do you report psychiatrists to?

In Canada it's the College of Physicians and Surgeons

I believe complaints about psychiatrists should be made to BOTH the State Medical Board and the professional licensing board of the state where the doctor practices. Having said that, according to the research I have done, I don't have a case. He does neglect his patients but his neglect has not caused me any prove-able harm. Apparently you can only expect that they will provide the prescriptions. They do not have to even explain side effects much. I guess it is what it is, and as patients all we can do is have a specific list of questions about side effects, long term use, etc. Also what choices we have in medications; there may be some they don't even offer you.