New PCP
#284272 - 09/28/06 08:56 AM
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MCV
Reged: 01/04/05
Posts: 740
Loc: Manchester, NH
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I hate my primary care physician - she's TERRIBLE, has done nothing to help me with my IBS issues, she's not a people-person and I find that somewhere (I think it's her, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt) we have a communication issue. She says something to me at my appointments and next time asks me why on earth I think thats what she said...oh - and her office staff is horrible and has no idea what they are doing. I've been seeing her for about 6 years (maybe a little longer) and I am finally switching to a new doc.
Soooo - my new appointment with the new doc is on Monday. I've never met her and she knows nothing about my history. I have requested to have all my records transferred over to her, but I really really doubt that the office staff at the old place will get this done prior to my appointment.
So my question to all of you is this - what do I bring with me to my appointment? I'm going to work on putting a list together of all the medications I am taking, but other than that I don't even know where to start! The appointment is just for my regular physical, but I feel like I'm going to end up taking the entire day going over stuff with her!!
Any advise?
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>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<
Michelle
IBS-A, pain predominant
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Re: New PCP
#284275 - 09/28/06 09:04 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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When I start with a new doc, even if they have old records of mine, I always bring a typed, medical history summary. I try to be as brief as possible but list what started when and what treatments/tests I have had. Mine is usually 2-3 pages long and at the bottom, I type out any specific questions I want to be sure to have answered. Good luck
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Re: New PCP
#284283 - 09/28/06 09:26 AM
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MCV
Reged: 01/04/05
Posts: 740
Loc: Manchester, NH
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I so wish I was more organized about my medical issues!! But your idea sounds great - and you should be an expert by now - right?
Yours is only 2-3 pages....so you really keep it short and sweet! I'll have to start jotting things down and then spend some time this weekend trying to pull it all together. Thanks for the advise....
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>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<
Michelle
IBS-A, pain predominant
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I second Michele's advice about typing out your medical history. I also wanted to say that when you ask for your old records, ask to have them sent to YOU. Most likely you'll have to pay a fee (most doctors charge a flat fee of $15-$20, but my old gynecologist actually charged $1/page, which I thought was completely ridiculous!), but this way you get to see what's in your records. While this is important because you know exactly what's going on and you can sometimes find something questionable that the doctor glossed over, it's also important if you have a bad doctor who doesn't listen. I found all kinds of mistakes in my records. The GI was the worst -- when I read through the records I was wondering if he'd gotten me completely mixed up with another patient.
Good for you for finding a new doctor! A bad doctor is the worst -- at the very least, it's totally demoralizing, and at the worst, it can be life-threatening. And if you don't like this one, either, keep looking. I know it's a pain, but I love my doctor and she was the 5th one I saw. Hopefully this doctor will work out for you. Good luck.
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jen
"It's one of the most serious things that can possibly happen to one in a battle -- to get one's head cut off." -- LC
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It's great that you're getting a new doctor. I would let her know that your previous experience with your PCP wasn't good. You've already gotten great advice from Michele and Jen on what to take with you. I also agree that you should get a copy of your medical history so that you can see whether your PCP was keeping accurate accounts of your visits.
Good luck with the new doctor! 
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Make sure to type out all he medications you're currently on, and why. I also find it helpful to write down all the medications I've tried, and the outcome (good/bad).
Also type up a list of all the tests you've taken (colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, upper GI, lower GI, barium tests, endoscopies, biopsies, etc.). The thing I hate about switching docs is that they sometimes want you to retake invasive and painful tests, especially the colonoscopy.
In my case, I let them know the last time I took my coloscopy (within 8 years) and the result (negative on everyhthing, inc biopsies). I also tell him the reason I'm not having another-- I won't redo the test until my symptoms change. I've taken 3 already and I'm not going to subject myself to another "normal" test until there is a reason to do so.
GOOD LUCK!!
~nelly~
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Re: New PCP
#284307 - 09/28/06 09:59 AM
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Susie2
Reged: 08/07/06
Posts: 158
Loc: Pomona California
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I finally decided to switch PCP after 5 years of inadequate treatment. I tried switching once before and felt like I went from the frying pan into the fire, so I went back. But things just got worse. So I made the plunge again. Not sure about the new doc. And nobody sends records so it is a good idea to get them yourself.
Docs love written lists: Medications, Current symptoms, Questions. I've had the best results when I do this. Since I am not a born organized I don't always follow my own advice. Finding a good PCP where I live is soooooo difficult. The good ones are not taking new patients. I've asked my gastro and other specialists for recommendations and they tell me to ask my friends as they do not know who is taking patients. I have a point of service plan and at the HMO level it sucks. And if I use a preferred provider for services the insurance company feels should be taken care of at the HMO level the insurance company gives me a hard time. Good luck in your search.
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Re: New PCP
#284311 - 09/28/06 10:07 AM
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MCV
Reged: 01/04/05
Posts: 740
Loc: Manchester, NH
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Jen - THANK YOU - why it never occured to me to get a copy of my records I don't know!! HAhahah - I'm going to look into this as well!
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>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<
Michelle
IBS-A, pain predominant
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Re: New PCP
#284316 - 09/28/06 10:32 AM
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michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
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Yep, I've cut it down to the bare minimum. I find if you overload them on too many details, they blank out, just like my hubby! 
I start with 1985 when my ibs started. I just list the year, C, pain, bloating gas-whatever symptoms which I try to keep it at one line or less and the next line, I put the tests I had. Than I move to the next year, 1988, list above symptoms worsen, had laparoscopy and D&c to rule out PID. So on and so forth. Like with the miscarriages, I just put the date I got pregnant and the date of the miscarriage, no need to elaborate on the symptoms of the miscarriages unless its the fertility doc I'm seeing!
With the RA stuff, I list last summer as start date of symptoms and at that point, I go on a month to month basis but still try to keep it as to the point as I can.
Be sure to include your current meds with the dose and what you have tried in the past. Brief but to the point is the key!
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Taking it one day at a time.....
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Ever think of seeing a physician's assistant? It just so happens that I saw one for illness months after having my daughter and I got a "feel" that this woman was compassionate and might actually sit and listen to my IBS stories/anxiety. Turned out well for me...just an idea. I know some people don't consider them "real" mds but I think anyone who really listens to you and has the medical background is better than some idiot who makes you do a dance for years and never gets it right anyhow...all along making you feel bad about yourself and your situation. good luck
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Originally IBS-D for a million years!
Then IBS-A, Now a transformed slightly C
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