Published
Ended up seeing the NP. And DD did not have strep, so it was a wasted $230. Next time I am ordering the strep test kits at home. The NP said that they don't "like" to do that anymore (having and RN swab the patient and then sending in the culture for strep). They don't "like" to do it so that I can pay for the doctors' $3 million homes. Sheeesh! My cousin married a doc at this clinic, and whines about having to work every 4th or 5th weekend. I get so angry with her and him when I rarely get a weekend off. I'd be happy just to work every other weekend. And I've been doing it for 22 years.
My blood pressure is SOOOOO high over this!!!! GRRRRRRR
Not sure this will help, but I work in several outpatient clinics as a per diem, and in none of them are we allowed to do throat swabs without the patient seeing a provider (heck, the provider usually does the swab themselves). Might be different elsewhere of course, but it's not uncommon to require a visit.
I'm the only RN at the clinic/health center I work at, and if you are a pt. with acute pharyngitis symptoms, you will be seen by ME, not a Dr. or NP. I will assess, swab and do a rapid strep, and send out a culture. I can't believe they would make you be seen by a MD- that's crazy! I do the same for dysuria symptoms- assess, do a urine dip, send out for c&s.
I'm the only RN at the clinic/health center I work at, and if you are a pt. with acute pharyngitis symptoms, you will be seen by ME, not a Dr. or NP. I will assess, swab and do a rapid strep, and send out a culture. I can't believe they would make you be seen by a MD- that's crazy! I do the same for dysuria symptoms- assess, do a urine dip, send out for c&s.
Does your practice bill for this? That maybe the issue. You can't bill insurance for nursing services. How does the practice recoup the expense of your time if they can't bill for this?
Vtachy1
448 Posts
I have been taking my kids to the same doc for 13 years, I have been a nurse for 22 years. I always have been able to come in to see the RN and have a throat culture done without an appt with MD or NP. Suddenly today, I call to make an appt to get DDs throat swabbed and the nurse would not let me!!!! She says I have to pay $230 for an office visit with the NP or MD. Come on!!!! I do not need an MD or NP for this!!!
I'm so angry about this. I may switch doctors or something. I refused to get an appt. Makes me so mad.
Ok vent over. Do you allow nurses to swab a kid with strep throat in your office?