Could Someone Please Give me a Dr. Recommendation? (Tampa, Wesley Chapel: insurance, to live in)

[Lisaatric]

Hi,

I have a 23 year old son who just moved to Tampa. He is sick. He went to a walk-in clinic on Tuesday and was told he had an infection (his face is blowing up) and was prescribed antibiotics. He is not getting better and I want him to see a dr. He said he has called two and can not get an appointment. Please help. He is in South Tampa. Thank you!

[dothetwist]

Either go to an ER or back to the Urgent Care (or to a different Urgent Care).

[Lisaatric]

Thank you. We actually suspect he may have mumps and he has called several walk in clinics who said they do not test for mumps. The ER will be next but I was hoping someone else would see him.

[dothetwist]

It is very hard to get into see any doctor at the last minute, even those you have seen before. If you think it's an emergency take him to ER.

[EngGirl]

If he is not an established patient NOBODY will see him no matter how sick he is. This is our reality. We learned it hard way. All doctor offices we contacted basically suggested to use Urgent Care/ ER....

[Lisaatric]

Thanks. I guess there is no such thing as a "sick" appointment in Tampa. I have told him to go to the ER. We were trying to avoid the extra cost. Thank you again.

[EngGirl]

Yes, that's why if he is planning to live in Tampa (and pretty much everyone should do it too) - he needs to find a doctor and make an appointment (first patient visit appointment) - these are normally have couple months waiting period. After that it's important to do annual well visits. From there on doctor will be able to do sick visits on call within a day or two.

I would also suggest to contact your insurance company and check with them regarding your options. They might suggest seeing someone specific. After all they will spend more covering Urgent care or ER visit. And be carefull with ER. 1) make sure it's really an emergency because insurance can challenge these bills is they can proof it wasn't an emergency. 2) stay within network and even call your insurance to confirm. It turned out ER doctors in in-network hospital are not necessary your insurance in-network providers....

[Lisaatric]

Very good advice. I spoke with a couple of drs. Both advised ER which is where he is now. Now you have me worried that because he went to Urgent Care two days ago, that this ER visit won't be covered. Still no diagnosis. Part of the problem is that he is never sick and not used to this so he is more nervous than he should be. He is 23 years old and has taken antibiotics once in his entire life. I'm more nervous too because he has never been sick! If it were one of my daughters, I would be far more relaxed because they are always sick. Thank you again for your advice. It is greatly appreciated.

[Stewabby]

My primary care doctor is actually an urgent care doctor. Mitch Forman in New Tampa/Wesley Chapel. We pay a $40 co-pay, but it is so nice to be able to be to go without an appt. The whole office is wonderful. We've been seeing them for years now.

[EngGirl]

Originally Posted by Lisaatric

Very good advice. I spoke with a couple of drs. Both advised ER which is where he is now. Now you have me worried that because he went to Urgent Care two days ago, that this ER visit won't be covered. Still no diagnosis. Part of the problem is that he is never sick and not used to this so he is more nervous than he should be. He is 23 years old and has taken antibiotics once in his entire life. I'm more nervous too because he has never been sick! If it were one of my daughters, I would be far more relaxed because they are always sick. Thank you again for your advice. It is greatly appreciated.

I hope it's nothing serious! There are many viruses going around. It's better be safe than sorry. I hope your son will feel better soon and doctors will find the way to figure out what is going on with him. Please keep us posted!