GoodbyeYellow
Recycles dryer sheets
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2021
- Messages
- 55
We were with Kaiser for 20+ years and if we ever knew, have forgotten how to navigate the PPO landscape. Switched to PPO this year due to premium pricing changes at Kaiser.
About 3-4 years ago, the Kaiser doc advised me of an inguinal hernia (IH) and told me to 'just keep an eye on it'.
This year, we had a physical with the PPO doc. Found him through online reviews as we are new in this town and don't have a friends network here yet.
My impression was he was more about the money than anything else. I had barely had a chance to mention the IH and he was all 'oh yeah you need that operated; I'll give you a referral'.
So far this year, thankfully that's been the only doctor visit for me or DW. But now the IH is on my mind... not painful yet, but at times I do get the sense that it is 'moving around', if that makes sense. Have started wearing a hernia belt and it helps a good bit.
So I am thinking to get it worked on. But I'd like to be able to make my own decision on the doctor etc.
We are with BCBS, Bronze plan, high deductible and don't need a referral to see a specialist. What's the best way to go about this? We have a list from BCBS of local surgeons; what should be the next step? Interview some on the phone? I guess most doctors will say get it done; how does one know if this is the right advice? (vs leaving it alone).
I am 61 BTW, BMI just under 30, quite active and easily get my 150 or so minutes per week, with biking, swimming, yoga, walking and some weights (light, 30-40 lbs max each side regardless of the exercise).
About 3-4 years ago, the Kaiser doc advised me of an inguinal hernia (IH) and told me to 'just keep an eye on it'.
This year, we had a physical with the PPO doc. Found him through online reviews as we are new in this town and don't have a friends network here yet.
My impression was he was more about the money than anything else. I had barely had a chance to mention the IH and he was all 'oh yeah you need that operated; I'll give you a referral'.
So far this year, thankfully that's been the only doctor visit for me or DW. But now the IH is on my mind... not painful yet, but at times I do get the sense that it is 'moving around', if that makes sense. Have started wearing a hernia belt and it helps a good bit.
So I am thinking to get it worked on. But I'd like to be able to make my own decision on the doctor etc.
We are with BCBS, Bronze plan, high deductible and don't need a referral to see a specialist. What's the best way to go about this? We have a list from BCBS of local surgeons; what should be the next step? Interview some on the phone? I guess most doctors will say get it done; how does one know if this is the right advice? (vs leaving it alone).
I am 61 BTW, BMI just under 30, quite active and easily get my 150 or so minutes per week, with biking, swimming, yoga, walking and some weights (light, 30-40 lbs max each side regardless of the exercise).