Reply #17: I don't disagree with the concept of people using the system in some unnecessary ways.

[CTyankee]

I was guilty myself. Because at the time I had a pretty "rich" health care plan (under spouse's union contract) I went to a specialist (cardiologist) to consult with him about my high blood pressure. But at my regular annual checkup my primary care provider (who is a liberal)told me that I didn't need the care of a cardiologist since I did not have heart disease. A pcp, he said, is perfectly qualified to treat hypertension and there was really no reason for me to seek a specialist, absent any other symptoms, family history, etc. Since I respect this doctor I decided that I didn't need the cardiologist, just because I COULD under my health insurance, and that it would be less of a stress on the health care system if I kept my blood pressure control with my pcp. There has been no further problem.

My pcp is the first to refer me to a specialist when he feels it is necessary. I think he is right. I should not have jumped over him to a specialist without more of a medical need...