Evaluating my GI doctor - Is he good enough?

I often don't feel like calling or going to see my GI doc when I'm having problems because I don't think he has any more tricks up his sleeve. He doesn't say or do anything very different from time to time. He's not much help with nutritional issues either. Each time I go see him, I don't have very high expectations for him being able to improve my situation.

Do any of you really like your GI docs and if so, what makes a good one? I've seen a few different people over the years, but I've never felt that they were more than just OK.

I live on an island in southeast Alaska and the only doctor I've seen since being diagnosed is my surgeon (the only surgeon in town). I don't even have a primary doctor anymore and there are no specialists. I flew down to Seattle in March and was very disappointed in the GI I saw, she hardly looked at my chart, talked to me, or anything, just handed me a big packet of information on Humira....I decided not to even go that route because I didn't trust her. Then this month I flew up Anchorage and saw a GI who was supposed to be really good, I had to wait a month to get in on a cancellation, and it was basically the same! Only he said, "You need to be on Remicade". And that was that. It's actually very frustrating to have to fly out of town, and pay $650 to feel like I'm being jipped. Although this time, I was already set on Remicade so I got what I wanted really... but I don't even know who I will turn to next for future issues. I don't have a lot of options, although I'm considering moving to Anchorage for several reasons, one is just so I can have peace of mind about being near specialists. (However my mom is concerned about the billing part - I have a pretty good payment plan set up where I am...)

Anyways, a good doctor is hard to find, not to mention a GI. I think it would be nice if you could meet the doctors before you go paying to see them just to be disappointed. Or at least get a more realistic biography, other than where they went to school. I know there are websites out there where you can rate doctors and read other peoples' reviews, but you have to take those with a grain of salt.

I absolutely LOVE my GI doc.  The first one I had was horrible.  But then I found my current one who came highly recommended and she has not been a disappointment.  She takes the time to listen and discuss my various issues.  She gives me options so that I can help participate in my own health care choices.  She is always available by phone and will often call just to check on me.  She knows her stuff and is very competent in her patient care.  In fact, I'm a little afraid that I'm becoming too dependent on her.  I panic when she leaves on vacation for longer than a week at a time because it never fails, I always have a flair while she's gone.  A good GI doc is essential for us Crohnie's.  I hope you can all find one that's as good as mine.

Those of you who love your GI docs, are any of you in the Boston area?

I think my doctor cares, but he's not the most communicative and phone calls aren't encouraged that much. He also seems so mystified by my symptoms that I am losing confidence. I hate it when I don't know what's going on and the doctor doesn't know either, but I suppose that is a common occurrence.

In my last visit I made buddies with the nurse who takes the calls, so that I feel I can be a bit more connected at least. But if anyone has a doctor in and around Boston who they love, I might just go meet with someone else and see if there is potential for a better relationship than this one.