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Have an Appointment the 24th and need to get a game plan together....

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 7/22/2013 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
I've been a patient 3 months but have only seen the Doctor 5 minutes on my initial visit.I'm expecting to see a Physicians Assistant this time.I don't know the results of my MRI(lower back).I'm really in the dark about all the tests they performed on me.

The main focus so far has been getting my medication stable.I guess it's partly my fault for not asking questions but I really haven't had the opportunity.They have me coming in every 2 months and I've only been a patient 3 months.

Have any of y'all ever taken a list of questions to the Doctor with you.TIA..

Have a Blessed Day'
Rick
Posted 7/22/2013 9:17 PM (GMT 0)
The Doctor just called and said "the provider" wasn't going to be in Wendsday so they would have to re-schedule my appointment.I said the end of the week would be fine,she said the1st opening was August 5th.I go and pick up another 2 week prescription.That'll be 10 weeks of just picking up prescriptions at the front desk.

I've never seen a Doctor that operates like this.Scratches head. idea
Posted 7/22/2013 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to the Forum Rick,

I must say something does seem a little fishy about this. I would request a copy of your MRI and go see a new provider that would be willing to spend more then 5 minutes with you in 3 months. You can get a copy of your MRI at the location that you had it done. I can say that yes I do take in lists of things to ask the doctor that way I don't forget major questions that I had. Usually the moment I see the doctor my brain becomes a space case and goes blank on things I needed to remember.
I understand that this is frustrating and fighting with an unknown makes it all that much worse. We're here for you and hopefully August 5th you get an answer from your MIA provider or you find a new one who will be there for you.

Morgan
Posted 7/22/2013 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
By law, you only need to physically SEE your doctor/provider every three months if you're on narcotic pain medication.

Unless I have a specific reason to see her more often, my appointments are scheduled for one every three months. For the months in between, I call in when I have about a week of meds left, and the scripts get printed up and signed and I pick them up at the front window.

So the fact that they have you come in every two months doesn't surprise me. It actually saves time and money if you think about it.

I'm sure you could probably ask at your next face to face visit if your scripts can be changed from 14 days to 30 days to make it easier on you if you wanted...

And yes, I've brought a list of questions to appointments where I have lots of questions to ask and I don't want to forget any.
Posted 7/23/2013 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
I couldn't imagine seeing a doctor for 5 minutes. My typical visits with my oncologist run an hour or more of "face time", a short visit with him would be 45 minutes.

I always see my doctors with printed questions, mostly so that I don't get mixed up, distracted, or forget something important. I use the same pad to take down notes about what we talk about.

My doctors actually prefer that, because it saves us both a lot of time. And I don't consider a visit over with until all of my questions are answered properly.

Not saying you need a new doctor, but perhaps if you have the option, something to think about. People tend to forget, or get intimidated by doctors, but in reality, they are working for you, not the other way around.

Good luck,

David
Posted 7/23/2013 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
I also take a list, I'm like mthixon, my goes blank when I see the doctor. I see him every 2 months, and it's about 30 min with the dr. W hen I first swiched I told him I wanted to come in every month as we worked out my rx levels. He was fine with that.
Call and ask to make an appt. then ask if if you can continue with monthly until you are comfortable with your regimine.

If you have a list and are activly speaking with the dr. I can't imagine him getting up and walkin out. Just keep talking until you have all the info you need.

Good luck, I hope t works out
Lesley
Posted 7/23/2013 1:28 PM (GMT 0)
I see my PM monthly. It ranges from 5 minutes (if everything is just the same and it's just picking up my meds) to up to 30 minutes if I'm having issues. If I'm having issues that I need to discuss, I too write them down.

I agree w/ the statement mentioned before - remember that your doctor works for you. The most successful patients that I see on here.... and just from my own experience.... are the ones that have that mind-set. Just like you would hire any person who specializes in their field (from a painter, plumber, accountant, etc) - you are hiring your doctor for these same purposes.

With that being said - yes, have your list of questions. Make sure you get those covered. Write down all the things you feel "in the dark" about - and let them know you feel that way. Be honest w/ your feelings... how this affecting your life.... that you want to get your medications stable.... and so forth. I'm the most effective w/ all of my doctors when I truly let them know what my needs are.

All that said... I do hear your frustrations... and I would feel the same if my standing appt was cancelled... and pushed out into August! I might even call back and say something like "I just want to confirm that I'll have a bit of time w/ the time provider, as I have numerous questions, re: my tests, medications, etc".... That way, they don't book you for a 5 min appt and you walk out of there frustrated again.

If all of this fails... and you don't feel like you are getting anywhere w/ this doc.... I would encourage you to find someone else. Half the battle w/ good care is finding the right doctor.

Take care - and I'm sorry you are having to wait another couple of weeks! --Tina
Posted 7/23/2013 8:07 PM (GMT 0)
I appreciate all the responses.I'm going to have to take it upon myself to ask the questions that I have.I kind of get the feeling that if you're not there for a procedure(shot of some type) then you see a Physician's Assistant or just pick up a prescription which I guess is better than having to wait all day to see the Doctor.I'm just going to try to keep a positive attitude and see what happens.

Hope y'all are having a good day,
Rick
Posted 7/24/2013 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
All good advice.. taking list, etc..

I have detained my orthopaedic w/ questions & he has stood there w/ hand on doorknob.. for at least 10 minutes.. I don't let him go til I am done. He fidgets but it is my time !!

My Pain management monthly appt are now
After 3 yr
every other month appt..
(Use to be monthly but we now have a working treatment plan)

I still take a list (checklist) w/me as he forgot to write a note for me & took weeks for me to get it !!

I call in w/updates on the in between months..

BTW my appt are covered by workman's comp which does NOT allow me to be seen by anyone other than the doctor..
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