SDI wants me to see a doctor 100+ miles away - How to resolve this?
I'm so frustrated with SDI. I've been trying to get through about a doctor's referral they want me to see, but the doctor is over 100 miles from my house! I've called multiple times and still haven't resolved this issue. Has anyone else dealt with something similar? Any advice on how to get this sorted out?
47 comments
StardustSeeker
Ugh, that's ridiculous! SDI can be such a pain to deal with. Have you tried explaining to them that the distance is unreasonable? Maybe they can find a closer doctor for you.
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Keisha Taylor
I've tried explaining, but it's like talking to a brick wall. They just keep saying it's the only option available. 🤦♂️
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Paolo Marino
Classic bureaucracy BS. Keep pushing and ask to speak with a supervisor. Don't let them brush you off!
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Amina Bah
I had a similar issue last year. It took forever, but I finally got them to approve a closer doctor. Here's what worked for me: 1. Document everything - calls, names, dates 2. Get your current doctor to write a letter explaining why the distance is a hardship 3. File a formal complaint with SDI 4. Reach out to your local state representative's office It's a pain, but persistence pays off. Good luck!
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Keisha Taylor
Wow, thank you so much for the detailed advice! I'll definitely try these steps. How long did the whole process take for you?
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Amina Bah
It took about 2 months from start to finish. But trust me, it's worth it to avoid that long drive!
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Oliver Becker
This is solid advice. I work in healthcare and can confirm that a doctor's letter can make a huge difference in these situations.
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Natasha Volkov
Wow, that's insane! 100 miles is way too far. Have you tried explaining your situation to SDI? Sometimes if you get the right person on the phone, they can be more understanding.
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Oliver Schmidt
I've been trying to get through to them for days, but no luck. It's so frustrating!
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Javier Torres
Classic SDI... always making things difficult. 🙄 Have you considered looking into telemedicine options? Might be worth asking about.
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Oliver Schmidt
Telemedicine is a good idea, I'll definitely ask about that. Thanks!
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Natasha Petrova
have you tried faxing them? sometimes old school methods work better with these dinosaur agencies lol
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Emma Wilson
I had a similar issue last year. Here's what I did to resolve it: 1. Document everything. Keep a log of all your calls, who you spoke to, and what was said. 2. Write a formal letter to SDI explaining your situation. Include details about why traveling 100 miles is unreasonable (cost, time, etc.). 3. Ask your referring doctor to write a letter supporting your case. 4. If possible, research and suggest closer alternatives in your area. 5. Be persistent. Keep calling and following up. 6. If all else fails, consider contacting your local representative. They can sometimes intervene on your behalf. It took a few weeks, but I eventually got them to assign me to a closer doctor. Don't give up!
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Oliver Schmidt
Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely start working on these steps. Did you send your letter by mail or email?
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Emma Wilson
I sent it by certified mail so I had proof of delivery. But if you can find a direct email, that might work too. Good luck!
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Javier Hernandez
I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video explaining it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Emma Davis
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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LunarLegend
20 bucks? Idk man, seems kinda steep just to talk to someone 🤔
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Javier Hernandez
I get the skepticism, but it honestly saved me hours of frustration. Worth every penny imho
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Malik Jackson
Can confirm, I've used it too. Beats sitting on hold for hours!
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Isabella Oliveira
This whole system is broken af. Why should we have to jump through hoops just to get basic care? 😤
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Ravi Patel
Preach! 🙌 It's like they make it difficult on purpose
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Freya Andersen
Have you considered telemedicine options? Might be worth asking SDI if they'd approve a virtual visit with a specialist instead of making you drive so far.
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Keisha Taylor
That's actually a great idea! I hadn't even thought of that. I'll definitely bring it up next time I talk to them.
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QuantumLeap
ugh, the system is so broken. why do they make everything so difficult for people who are already struggling? 😤
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Omar Zaki
oof, 100 miles is insane. i'm in the same boat with EDD rn, different issue but same frustration. solidarity, friend 💪
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Malik Johnson
Hey, I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Isabella Santos
Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried this?
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Ravi Sharma
20 bucks? Idk man, seems kinda steep just to talk to someone...
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Malik Johnson
I get the skepticism, but honestly, after spending hours trying to get through, it was worth it for me. Saved me so much time and frustration.
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Freya Larsen
How long did you have to wait once you used the service?
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Malik Johnson
It took about 45 minutes, but I just went about my day and they called me when an agent was on the line. Way better than being stuck on hold myself!
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CosmicCrusader
Not to be that guy, but have you double-checked that there really aren't any closer options? Sometimes their systems are out of date and don't show newer providers.
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Keisha Taylor
Yeah, I've looked into it. Even called some local docs to see if they take SDI patients. No luck so far 😕
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CosmicCrusader
Ah, bummer. Just thought I'd check. Hope you find a solution soon!
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Omar Hassan
have you considered just lying and saying you went to the appointment? 👀 not saying you should, but...
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Chloe Taylor
Dude, no. That's fraud and could get OP in serious trouble. Don't even joke about that.
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Omar Hassan
Chill, it was just a thought. Obviously not the best idea lol
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Chloe Robinson
tldr; SDI sucks, water is wet. But seriously, hang in there OP. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
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ShadowHunter
I'm in the same boat, but my doctor is only 50 miles away. Still a pain tho. The whole systems a joke tbh
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Diego Ramirez
Have you checked if there are any patient advocacy groups in your area? They might be able to help navigate this or even intervene on your behalf.
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Oliver Schmidt
I hadn't thought of that. Do you know how I could find one?
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Diego Ramirez
Try googling '[your state] patient advocacy' or 'disability rights [your state]'. Most states have organizations that can help!
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Anastasia Sokolov
this is why we need healthcare reform smh 🤦♂️
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Sean O'Connor
Unpopular opinion: maybe try making the trip once? If you explain your situation to the doctor there, they might be willing to do follow-ups via telemedicine or help you find a closer alternative.
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Zara Ahmed
Are you kidding? 100 miles is insane, especially if OP is dealing with a disability.
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Sean O'Connor
I get that it's not ideal, but sometimes you gotta play the game to change the rules. Just a suggestion 🤷♀️
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