This article is meant for those of you who have recently or about to move to a new area. After living in the greater Seattle area for 58 years, I moved to the San Francisco Bay area in August ‘14.
I encountered more challenges that I had expected. I had to find new medical insurance, since the company that I was with in WA isn’t licensed to cover in California. I also had to find a new dermatologist and general practitioner.
First, I had to decide on what kind of insurance to get. In WA I was with a company for around four years. They were much like Kaiser in the west. You can only go to Kaiser providers, labs and prescription services. I was used to this system, however it felt restrictive. The other option was to pick an insurance company that was a PPO.
Finding a GP was probably the hardest, in the sense that I felt a bit like I was shooting in the dark. My insurance agent unofficially suggested I look for a doctor within the John Muir system. They are close, and generally good. It was much easier to find a dermatologist, because I already knew who I wanted. When moving though you should always contact the IPPF and have them re-send you the physician’s referral list. This way you can see the doctors in your new area.
I was familiar with Dr. Peter Marinkovich at Stanford Medical Center. He is on the medical advisory with the IPPF and I have heard him speak before. I felt great about working with him, and his staff. It’s over an hour drive away from me, but worth it.
I have a few suggestions to keep in mind. If you are moving due to a job change, or your spouse’s, then I believe you are more restricted if you don’t want to self-pay. Read up on what kind of choices you have for a dermatologist in your area. Talk to your insurance company’s customer service if you have any questions regarding coverages. Find out how much experience the dermatologist has treating pemphigus/pemphigoid. In addition to that, it’s important to be able to feel connected, and your doctor understands you.
If you need help finding a dermatologist, feel free to contact Noelle Madsen at the IPPF office. She can make some recommendations, as well as send you a list we have. She can be reached by phone at 916-922-1288 x105 or by email at noelle@pemphigus.org.
Remember, when you need us we are in your corner!