This past January has been interesting as I come to grips with just how important my time is and what the consequences are for mismanaging it. The biggest issue I have had to deal with is my provider for IVIG, the treatment I take monthly for my immune system. My previous provider is now “out of network” with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Additionally, BCBS upped their copays and another one of my medications, I have needed to apply for financial assistance. The challenge has been finding the time to deal with all of this on top of a 40-hour work week where my time is already claimed with individual sessions with clients.
To start off, this matter is pretty urgent as not having this medication on time has side effects. With all of the red tape required for getting a new provider and getting medical insurance verified took three more weeks placing me several weeks over the date I was supposed to have a treatment. So, I had to find some ways to cope. That has meant eating smaller meals more often to absorb food and liquid. I learned that “Chia Seeds” and “Flax Seeds” help to absorb liquid, so I have been able to add this into my diet as well, which worked well.
This past week I was presented with one of those “I have good news and some bad news” scenarios. The good news was that the IVIG was ready to ship. The bad news was that my co-pay was $5000. I am not kidding. I was told about applying for financial assistance which is another phone call and more red tape to go through.
Now we are up to date. Needless to say, this morning I had a lot going on that I needed to accomplish. My list for today is six sessions with clients, getting a workout in and writing my weekly blog post. The challenge was finding time to get in this phone call that included being on hold and not knowing how long it would last.
Knowing there is no way to make time or create time in any way, what I could do is to go to bed earlier the night before to wake up earlier to get a jump on the day. I got up at 6am. The financial assistance is not open at 6am but what I could work on was getting in my work out and do my administrative activities I would normally do on a Friday. What this did was to take things off of my “to-do” list where I would feel less pressure and less of a pull for time overall easing stress.
Essentially, I have taken care of everything that is my responsibility. What I am still having to deal with are parts I am not able to control such as when I get a call from financial assistance and how long the call will last. Being a counselor, it is not the best practice to take a call of even look at my phone when any notification comes in.
If I do get a call during a session, I will have to choose not to answer it and get back when I can. One hurdle I have found with counseling is that I still have to be emotionally present with the client in a session when I am really wanting to use that time for something that is weighing on me more.
Even though every detail has not worked out just yet, I am having to be okay knowing I have done everything on my side and have to wait for the phone calls. Dealing with that waiting can be another blog of its own.
What have been some best practices you have used when you feel that time crunch?
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