I think I'm going to end up switching providers/insurance after all.
Currently, I'm on Tricare Prime which is 100% but the catch is that I need to see a military treatment facility for all of my healthcare needs.
I can switch to Tricare Standard which is $150/yr deductible plus 15-20% copays with a catastrophic cap of $1000. The difference is that I can choose a doctor of my choice in the civilian world.
I've been having headaches lately. I think it could be hormonal but when I get them... they last a long time (21 days for the first one in June, and 10 days for the one in October). And all the military docs seem to want to do is throw medications my way.
I'm 28, 5'7" and 137 lbs. Overall, I'd say I'm generally healthy. I fit clothes that are a size 4-6 depending on the brand.
So when I went in last Friday to see what's going on with the headaches, naturally they were gone. BUT my blood pressure was 137/89.
I've NEVER had it that high before in my life. Its usually 114/76 or so. In fact, back in June it WAS that.
Maybe it is stress, with Dad's death, going to school, facing a possible move... I'm sure that probably played a factor.
Either way, I asked her to check my cholesterol since I've never had it checked.
But that isn't really why I'm deciding to change healthcare providers/insurance.
Its because the military facilities that I HAVE to go to seem to brush off a lot of stuff. Everywhere I read says 137/89 is prehypertension... not NORMAL. But the doctors kept saying "No, its normal"
Even DH told me that it isn't normal (he works in military medical) and I should look further into it. And if I'm told something is "normal" that I know isn't... especially when I'm not overweight, I exercise fairly regularly (because of this I've increased my workouts to 45 minutes on the treadmill everyday instead of just 30 minutes 3x/week), then I don't have much faith in the doctors treating me.
Perhaps I'm even extra cautious now because of my Dad. My Dad trusted his doctor and was told not to worry. Now, I don't know the intricate details of his medical file but if they KNEW about the tumor in January - why did they tell him to not worry just because he was feeling fine then?
Oh well, that doesn't change anything. But its another reason why I've decided that the status quo is no longer "good enough".
Changing Insurance
November 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
November 2nd, 2009 at 01:17 pm 1257167865
November 2nd, 2009 at 01:41 pm 1257169290
I will say my BP is sometimes higher at the beginning of the appointment, did they take it at the middle or end of your appointment. Ask for them to do that next visit. But then you do have reasons to have a little bump in your BP.
At some medical facilities, whether military or civilian you have to push when you think there is a problem with your care. I would take in an article about BP and flat out ask what about this? Don't overlook the stress factor, you have a lot going on and that could be causing the headaches too. Take care.
Here is some good info:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/detect/categ.htm
November 2nd, 2009 at 01:55 pm 1257170107
November 2nd, 2009 at 02:22 pm 1257171729
I think it is great that you are taking the initiative to take care of yourself. I sure wouldn't discount stress. It can manifest itself physically in numerous ways. Take care.
November 3rd, 2009 at 03:35 am 1257219304