Is there a way to force a referral?

[Greginaz]

I hope this is the right forum.

Due to a lot of research and positive results from physical therapt begun to believe that a significant amount of my pain is caused by an undiagnosed and possibly curable issue. But my primary care doctor refuses to make the referral that could confirm or rule out this possibility. I can not afford outside care at this time. Is there anything I can do to push the issue and get my suspicions checked. The issue is complicated by the fact that in the past, various specialists have found nothing,probably because I was telling them to look in the wrong place.

SHORT VERSION. For the last 23 years I have had knee pain and instability that was not explained adequately, new information suggests it maybe a fixable back or hamstring issue and the doc refuses to check the possibility.

[broncovet]

Yes, there is a way.  Dont give up.  Ask another doc, or else  Get another Prime care doc, if required.  

[broncovet]

They push Vets around, mostly because Vets dont know any better and comply.  You have a right to a sayso in your health care..be proactive.    

[Guest L]

I recently utilized my medicare to get an outside opinion for a Blood Pressure medication - took script back to VA - got it approved.

My PCP did not want to change my meds,because the new one needed approval.

I was prescribed blood pressure meds with potassium which was over 200 pills a month.... not reasonable to me.

A route could also be - asking for pain management referral  - then asking that doctor for a referral.... by passing the pcp. Just a thought, best of luck.