Hekel
I have trouble breathing but when I have the test done they say my breathing is fine that is because I have a rest in between it and then she tells me that I don't have copd can they just say one minute you do and then say you don't ?
- Where are you. I live in a city (Austin, Texas) where there are a lot of doctors. A surprising number of them either don't know or don't care about COPD. I do NOT tolerate them and I tell them straight up and don't pay them. Luckily it's not too hard to find one, here, anyway, who does know and care. It makes all the difference. It's your money, your Medicare, your insurance, you are the paying customer, you are the boss. Act like it. They are there to serve you, it's not the other way around. Make them perform or fire them. I do. You have every right to the best medical care available. Demand it. 
Question -- you mention you don't pay them. I am with you 100% about firing the doc that isn't meeting your needs, but I've never not paid. I pay until I switch to someone else. How does this work in your experience? Especially if insurance will end up sending a bill in the mail. I feel like they would never buy it if I called them and said I wasn't paying because the doc was inadequate. You're such a great example of what being tough and advocating for yourself can look like. Thanks for these teaching moments! -Melissa, copd.net team
Hi
, and thanks for your post and question - it's a good one! I see our good community member, , has already weighed in with his opinion and suggestions. They are good ones!
Actually, a diagnosis of COPD can be definitive. I thought you might gain some additional insight from this article (published right here on COPD.net), which focuses on diagnosing the disease: https://copd.net/diagnosis.
If you are not satisfied with the care your current physician is providing for you, you may want to seek out another, more knowledgeable, compassionate doctor.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi there, can I just say, if you are getting two different answers, ask for a ct scan , that should be possible.That’s when I was told I had signs of emphysema. Then you will know.X Take Care
Hi CopdGirl, and thanks for lending your support here. You are always so helpful and considerate!
All the best,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
