My rhuemy is pretty good, but I always have trouble getting a hold of her.
When this flare started, I called her office and asked for a phone in rx and it took her almost 24 hours to do it.
When I was done with the meds and still feel horrible, I called back yesterday to say I need to do something and still no call back.
Is this normal?
Ask the receptionist what their office policy is regarding your situation.
I hope this helps you!
My thinking is, with my Rheumie if I have to reschedule an appointment I know its going to be another month before I can see him. If I need something right away, I see my GP. So I don't expect my rheumie to return phone calls soon either. Its confusing to know who to call... but if I'm not feeling well, I know I can call my GP and get in that day. I use that as a rule of thumb.
Every doctor is different so there is no rule of thumb. I have had that happen to me many times that you wait forever for a call back. Right now my internist who is handling my lupus also is affilieated with Cadence Health and the patients have access to "My Chart" where you can order refills, write the doctor or PA, make appointments, see test results, etc, etc. Twice I have written my doctor a question and I have had a response from him in less then an hour!!! You have to be assertive when it comes to your health. Maybe you need to do some internet checking to see if you can find someone more responsive to your needs. OR will she give you something to keep on hand for flares? I would be making an appointment to have a "heart to heart" with her.
Jcangel,
Many members have different rheumo's who respond in different ways...Trisha's rheumo is excellent and so are a good many for other member's, at the end of the day your paying for their services and if your feeling bad he/she should really respond to you better.
If issues get to bad never mess about and attend emergency because of your health.
Hugs Terri xxx
thanks everyone. someone finally called me today and said that the dr phoned me in some prednisone, but I'm kinda upset that it took 2 days.
Reet, is your dr a "concierge dr?" Do you have to pay extra for that service?
I saw a very good dr, one time....right when all of this was starting and shortly after my first appointment, I was notified that he was joining a concierge service and I would have to pay $50 a month just to be his patient. At the time, I thought it was crazy and said no thank you, but now I'm thinking it may be worth it.
No, he is not. No added fees at all. Not only that but he told me that even after the move if I question something a doctor tells me I should feel free to write him and he will help me any way he can. He is just a really good guy. He also is upset with the younger docs and how they can't do anything but refer to someone else. He is 52.
wow! That's great!
reet said:
No, he is not. No added fees at all. Not only that but he told me that even after the move if I question something a doctor tells me I should feel free to write him and he will help me any way he can. He is just a really good guy. He also is upset with the younger docs and how they can't do anything but refer to someone else. He is 52.
Hi Jcangel,
Your welcome and i'm pleased you finally heard off someone to help you:)
Jcangel3 said:
thanks everyone. someone finally called me today and said that the dr phoned me in some prednisone, but I'm kinda upset that it took 2 days.
Reet, is your dr a "concierge dr?" Do you have to pay extra for that service?
I saw a very good dr, one time....right when all of this was starting and shortly after my first appointment, I was notified that he was joining a concierge service and I would have to pay $50 a month just to be his patient. At the time, I thought it was crazy and said no thank you, but now I'm thinking it may be worth it.
The office should always get back with by the end of the day or within 24 hours. You can ask if they have an office manager who you talk to about your phone calls. Hope this helps
My doctor (rheum and GP) always get back to me within 24 hours. I'm glad your doctor called in the prescription. Hopefully they'll be more on top of things from now on, especially when it's just for a refill.
Oh boy! Yes it does take forever for return phone call from the doctors and the nurse!! When go on the next visit , just let your doctor know that you be in a great deal of pain and noone is contacting you back, (but also remember that you are not the only person that she or he has), and maybe this will help-talk with the nurse sometimes when she is giving you the check out papers after the doctor has seen you, also let her or him know that you be in a great deal of pain and would like for them to contact you back as soon as possible. But don’t get real stressed out !!! Hope this help in some kind of way…Beverly L.
I understand completely! And what’s bad is I work at a PCP clinic. Most clinics have a 24hr policy. But if you called in the morning and haven’t heard anything by 3pm call again.
Jcangel,
I do have a concierge doctor. I do pay a little more quarterly for this, however it can be tax deductible. This is my PCP, but he is in touch with all of my other doctors which means that when I have an unusual symptom or am showing unusual symptoms I get a call back within 4 hours and if necessary same day or next day appts. I also have his personal cell phone and have the ability to contact him on the weekends and evenings if necessary. (I do not abuse this privelege)
In my opinion it's money well spent and not as expensive as you might think. I never have to wait in the waiting room, the staff all know my name and I can call and tell them I need a refill on my nausea meds or BP meds and within an hour it's ready.
Now, it's not for everyone and many have wonderful doctors that provide that same quality of service, but especially as my diagnosis is new this has been a blessing for me.
As to the pain issue, because of the laws in many states now, ask for a referral to a Pain Management doc. Many combine traditional medicine i.e., yoga, massage, acupuncture with pain relieving medications.
As I say over and over...advocate for your care. YOU know what you are feeling. Many of us downplay our symptoms, however your doc cannot help you if you are not honest with him/her.
Good luck and good health,
DeAnne