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Hi! I wrote to the list about two weeks ago for any experiences anyone might have had using a PD specialist as opposed to a general neurologist. I had been waging an unsuccessful war with my HMO for permission to see a specialist at the Parkinson Institute in Sunnyvale CA. They refused to cover my initial visit as well as visits in the future. My final appeal was last Wednesday . I went armed with wonderful, logical arguements and even read them highlighted exerpts from the responses I had received from the list (I told them you were the real experts in the field). In spite of my pleas and a few tears I added for effect(easy for a Parkie), they turned me down. I had originally ha a real problem with their approved neurologist who I felt was totally incompetent. The HMO suggested four others who they said were completely qualified in treating PD, but I found upon questioning their staffs, that they had only a few PD patients and no special training or interest in Parkinson"s Disease. At my Wednesday appeal, they told me that there was no way they would consider allowing me to go to the Parkinson"s Institute but would use all their mighty resourses to find a PD specialist that I would like. They said they would give my primary care physician a list of Neuros to check out. My doctor called with ONE name they had given him and he was absolutely furious with the HMO because he thinks I should be able to get the best care available - at the Parkinson's Institute. At any rate, I called the "PD specialist" the HMO recommended and found out he has no special training in PD or movement disorders, nor any special interest or expertise in treating the disease. Their patient referral service suggested I see someone at the Parkinson's Institute !!! I was so angry at the HMO, that I immediately called the Dept. of Corporations which regulates HMO's here in Calif. to file a complaint. They're sending out a packet for me to submit and I intend to follow this through to the bitter end. Thanks for letting me rant on. Mary ([log in to unmask])