Making a medical appointment for a loved one can be a time-consuming and frustrating process. From navigating insurance policies to finding a provider who accepts their coverage, the process can take weeks or even months. This is especially true when we do not have a Health Care Directive, HIPAA Authorization, or Power of Attorney.
That aside, the first step when making an appointment is navigating time, location, and transportation. These simple elements are exaggerated as soon as pertinent health care information must be shared between clinics or facilities.
Wait, did you say you were making an appointment for a family member who was a veteran? Let’s have that conversation later.
During your discussion with the scheduler, a logical question might be determining whether the provider accepts your family member’s insurance. This can involve hours of research, phone calls, and online searches. Many insurance companies have provider directories, but these can be outdated or inaccurate, leading to more frustration when connecting with the insurance company by phone. After all, they likely need a completed Power of Attorney form.
After finding a provider, it is finally time to schedule the appointment. Depending on the provider’s availability, the wait time can range from a few days to several weeks or even months. For a specialist visit, the wait time can be even longer, as many specialists have long waiting lists.
One thing is for sure – making appointments for family members is painful. Do you anticipate calling every other day to inquire whether there was a cancellation? What if a cancelation happens in 2 hours. Can you respond fast enough?
After the Appointment is Scheduled
Even after the appointment is scheduled, there may be additional steps to take. Some providers require pre-authorization from the insurance company before the appointment can take place. This can add days or even weeks to the process, as the insurance company may request additional information or documentation. Again, making appointments for family members is a difficult process.
when Need help sharing If you decide to include your adult child, waiting is to determine what type of medical appointment is needed. Is it a routine check-up, a specialist visit, or an urgent care visit? Depending on the type of appointment, the wait time may vary. For example, a routine check-up may have a longer wait time than an urgent care visit.
Overall, the time it takes to make a medical appointment for a loved one can be a frustrating and time-consuming process. While it’s important to prioritize the health and well-being of our loved ones, navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming.
Unfortunately, none of us know when or if an emergency is right around the corner or years in the future. As a result, always have a health care directive, HIPAA authorization, and Power of Attorney ready to go.