Ooof, that's very stressful, Jess.

I recently (as in last week) got a new primary care provider. I've had my previous doctor for 20 years and have seen her exactly once in that time. There were so many barriers to getting appointments at her office, it was so expensive and it took six weeks to get in.

Finally I just buckled down and looked on my insurance to see what the other options were and wound up going with One Medical (which is owned by stinky ol' Amazon) because I could get an appointment immediately.

For me it's turned out to be a good fit because they prioritize ease of contact and appointments. My new PCP is a Family Nurse Practitioner who can prescribe meds and order tests. Also you can drop in for blood draw or vax without appointment. I do everything through their online portal which is easy and also prompts you on stuff you've been avoiding (like my shingles vax).

Anyway it's been a revelation to me because I've long felt the issue was the barrier at the beginning. Usually I need to see a doctor on the way to getting a referral to a specialist and that's where the obstacle were. Having an FNP as my point of contact is way easier for me.

Ugh that is ridiculous and they should’ve told you sooner, also!! Adulting sucks.

I've heard anecdotally that One Medical is good on the West Coast but crappy in NYC, but if they take my insurance and I can make appointments online I'm willing to give it a try.

I went to a new PCP yesterday, and I already hate him because he mentioned that he voted for Cuomo when he was making smalltalk, plus he refilled my Metoprolol prescription with the wrong dosage, and so far he hasn’t gotten back to me when I tried complaining about it.

Tom, YIKES. I hope he gets the dosage fixed asap!!

Power just went out (it's a sunny 82-degree day, so I'm assuming someone hit a pole or a transformer blew). My laptop is fully charged and I can access the internet because I can tether to my cellphone, but on the other hand, it's 4:30 pm and I feel like this is the universe telling me to be done with work early today and go take a nap.

Good grief, Tom. Not a good sign.

I'm happy with my current PCP because he lets me get my way. Online appointment options and communication are essential. Phones! Yikes!

What is with health care providers? Three years is a ridiculously short window, and prescribing accurate meds is a bare minimum expectation.

Happy quarter century to Mac!

That is definitely a sign to log off Teppy!

Today was slightly slower at work so crossing my fingers I can get a bunch done tomorrow—I didn’t get much done today (though did tick off 2/3 of an onerous task) but hoping getting a chill day means attacking tomorrow with some gusto!

Happy 25 to Mac. Our grandson, same age, is now living with us, working and saving toward a place of his own. For reasons, that may happen later than sooner. He is a terrific housemate. He cooks dinner, he collects dirty dishes, washes them and puts them away. He walks the trash to the dumpster, changes his own sheets and does his own laundry. We're not in a hurry for him to move out, actually.

Everybody with access issues to medical care, my sympathies. The main reason I stayed at my office job as long as I did was family health insurance. When I did quit we had some adjustments to make, including a savings account for medical reasons, and reducing medical care to absolute necessities. Our kids were working and handling their own health care, and it was nearly 20 years Himself and I managed completely without, until retirement and SS. Having health insurance has been a revelation and a relief. Our local hospital provides excellent care and has a specific care center for seniors, so we appreciate tailored care for aging bodies--and minds.