[aidenn0]

> Get your moles checked.

Tell that to my GP. Both my parents had melanoma, and they each had one additional type of skin cancer each. Their dermatologist is insistent that I get checked, but my GP doesn't think it's necessary, so my HMO won't pay for it.

[mjcohen]

It might be a worthwhile investment in self-preservation.

[smileysteve]

In the US, even with a referral, dermatology is not considered preventative, so high deductible POS plans are left to HSAs too.

[aidenn0]

My HMO pays almost 100% of in-network care with a referral (there is a nominal per-visit co-pay), so that at least wouldn't be an issue there, as long as I don't run into silly things like "The facility you visited was in-network, but Person X who did some of your care was an out-of-network contractor" which has bit me for emergency care before.

[verve_rat]

Sounds like your GP isn't doing their job? Time to get a different one.

[vkou]

Fire your GP.

[aidenn0]

I'll try, but my 3 previous GPs, who were all better than my current one, are no longer in-network. Presumably the insurance doesn't pay well enough to keep the better doctors. It's a substantial amount of paperwork (both with the insurance and the new GP) with no guarantee things will be better.

[HumblyTossed]

They probably can't depending on insurance.

[vkou]

Insurance isn't a suicide pact that ties you to one particular, shitty GP.

[usea]

For many people it is. They cannot see another doctor if they want to continue doing things like eating food. If they're lucky enough to be insured at all.

[COGlory]

Could you explain the mechanism of this? I am unsure how this situation could arise. There are seemingly infinite GPs in-network on any insurances.

[vkou]

Is their GP the only practitioner in-network for them? Their network has one member?

[bsder]

No, but changing your GP normally requires a new patient consult.

Many GPs aren't taking new patients (or at least from whatever insurance you have) or the initial new patient visit may take 4+ months to schedule.

GP is not a particularly popular choice for doctors as it pays significant less than any specialty does.

[mschuster91]

Depends if there are other in-network GPs in a range where OP can reasonably travel to.

[yeetawayhn]

And who are also accepting new patients.