The Most Expensive Inhaler Ever

HMOs are not for people who can self-diagnose themselves. Every single time I go to the doctor, I am told what I already know. It's annoying and a waste of money. I can't wait to graduate to a PPO.

Two months ago I visited my primary care doctor (with a HMO, you can only see your primary care doctor, which is super lame because I need someone who specializes in sports medicine) with a breathing issue. I told him that I suspected I had runner's asthma and needed an inhaler. Skyler had seen his sports medicine doctor a few weeks prior and got an inhaler right away (he's got a PPO). My doctor basically said, whoa, not so fast. We must do some tests.

Here's what I've been through the past two months:

Initial visit to primary care doctor

EKG

Chest and Lung X-Ray

EKG (2nd)

Walking EKG / Stress Test

Echocardiogram

Second visit to primary care doctor

The good news is that all tests came back clear. I called my doctor's office and asked for a prescription for the inhaler. They couldn't do that over the phone. I had to schedule another appointment, wait 45 minutes, then have my doctor personally hand me a prescription for the inhaler. Phew, what a waste of time and effort. Even more fun...I couldn't fill my prescription because the pharmacy wasn't open yet. Lame. Hopefully I will get this thing soon and hopefully it will cure my breathing issues so I can run freely again.