27 weeks and no doctor, no insurance ?

First of all, you are not going to bust. I didn't even see a doctor until I was 7 months (no insurance either).

If you have applied for Medicaid, you do have a social worker assigned to you although in NC it could just be a pool. Contact the office and ask to speak to a social worker assigned to your case explaining that you need a card to get a doctor's appointment.

For many women, the emergency room IS their sole source of prenatal care.

Finally, as you have learned to your woe, ALWAYS ALWAYS get copies of your records. In addition to making the switching of doctors easier, records are sometimes misfiled and often thrown away after 7 years. You should always have a copy of your records. With everything being digitized these days, the chances of your records going poof with a burned out chip, is higher than loss in fire or flood.

I found a social worker at the county health dept when I signed up, she was great (I'm in IL). I was told the coverage could be retro-active. Do you live near a large or teaching hospital? They often accept medicaid. I would make an appt now because they often take a long time to see you the first time. Make it now so when you do have coverage, you can get right in. Otherwise, show up at an emergency room if you are concerned about something specific with the baby. I can't believe they didn't refer you to an OB that worked with medicaid when you went for the UTI. The squeaky wheel get the grease. Squeak, and don't be quiet until you get someone to listen. Good luck.

Wic (women, infants and children) would be a great place to start. Im not sure where in NC they are located (and they are in almost every state), but they will be able to give you referalls to local clinics and doctors etc.
I just read that anyone on medicaid automaitcally meets the income eligibility guidelines for WIC. And that WIC is a federal program designed to provide food to low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants and children until the age of five.
Good luck and i hope you and your baby get the care you deserve and need.

oops-i just read you have wic...they will help with groceries for you and formula and they also give referalls for health care. I would call tomorrow, tell them your story and see how they will help. With you soo far along, i am sure they will have some great stuff for you.

update us on how things go!

I would look for some non-profit places that do low cost clinics. I know that there is definetly some in NC. If you applied for medicaid pregnancy I think it is a policy that they speed up the process.

If you look for a place like life choices, planned parent hood. or a community health clinic then you will be able to get more help. have you applied for wic, that is another way to get some help they will push papers along also.

Doctors don't really have much to do with your pregnancy outcome. The major influence in the health of your pregnancy is how well you are taking care of yourself. There are really no "necessary" tests to be done. If you have had treatment for the UTI then you need to now just do your part in taking good care of yourself. Our bodies are capable of getting pregnant, growing a baby, and getting it out without the constant trips to the doctor...trust me, I know. Calm down, eat well and get the rest you need. Oh and....27 weeks is not damn near about to give birth.

Call medicaid again and explian the issue you are having. Call the new dr you want to see and ask them to have your records faxed over, they can even call the old dr. medicaid will reimburse the dr. And it shouldnt take 45days, usually they say that but get it done sooner. If worse comes to worse, go to health department they wont turn you away.

if you are accepted by medicaid they will back pay any medication or dr. visits for up to 3 months before you were even on medicaid. I would call and bug em until they complete your file too.

Have you googled to find some free or reduced cost clinics in your area? I bet planned parenthood may have some places they can refer you to that may be low cost. Do whatever you can to find a way to get to the doctor.

That sucks!! i am so sorry you have to deal with all this stress. Could you go to a planned parenthood? best of luck to you