David Gutierrez

I am a 64-year-old male, non-smoker, non-drinker, in reasonable shape, good health, and rarely see a doctor. I pay over $500 per month for a Bronze Plan purchased through the healthcare. gov marketplace. I think the price is outrageous, but a serious accident could mean financial ruin so I pay the premiums.

About a month ago, I noticed blood in my stools. I was concerned, wanted a colonoscopy, and contacted two companies that provide that service. Both indicated I must secure a referral from my primary care physician, then they could schedule the procedure. OK, fair enough.

I subsequently called my assigned primary care physicians office. I discovered he was a gynecologist who has not accepted new patients for a long time. I asked the office staff if they knew who might be accepting new patients. They suggested I contact my insurance provider, I reminded them my insurance provider printed their name and number on my insurance card.

Next, I called a physician’s office near my home, They were accepting new patients, not my insurance. I asked for recommendations. I called both recommendations, left voice mail messages and never received a return call.

Frustrated, I called a physicians office that is a 30-minute drive. They were accepting both new patients and my insurance. Unfortunately, the earliest I could get an appointment is mid-February. I expressed my concern seeing blood in my stools. They suggested the emergency room.

When that appointment date arrives, I will drive the 30 minutes to meet a physician to request a referral for a colonoscopy. Of course, I still have no idea when I will actually have the procedure, and I hope my insurance company will pay for it.

My conclusions? The health care system in this city is broken from top to bottom. The part that works really well is the insurance companies taking our premiums.