I have HAD it with my current GI! It took me almost 4 months to get started on Humira because my doctors office was not doing the work to get it approved through my insurance. I finally took matters into my own hands and started calling the insurance company, finding out what they needed, called the doctors office to make sure it got sent over, called them again when they didn't send it, etc.
Finally got started on Humira in April. Went back after a month, and he faxed over a 3 month script and everything was going well. Went back to see the dr at the end of that 3 months in order to get a new script sent over. It has been 2 WEEKS and he and/or his office staff have still not sent in the new script. I have called them at least 5 times! Meanwhile, I should have taken my next dose last Friday. I am SO done with this and him! Ever since my resection last year, I have tried to stay on top of the crohn's because in the past I have had a bad habit of not doing anything until the flare gets so bad I can't take it anymore or my family forces me to go. It's bad enough that I do this, but I don't/shouldn't expect my dr to do the same thing!!
Ok, vent over!
I am going to look for a new GI, but this time I want to kind of interview them and not just pick one out of the insurance book and hope for the best. I'm trying to think of questions to ask them so that I can choose the one who will best fit me, my symptoms, and my lifestyle. I want someone who will be sympathetic and understanding when I'm having a bad flare, but also someone who can be tough and be honest and lay it out on the line when I need that too. Tall order, I know.
Here are some questions that I have come up with. Can anyone else think of any others?
1. What is your experience with crohn's? Have you treated several patients with this disease?
2.What are your views on crohn's treatment? Are you willing to look at alternative treatments like LDN, anti-map therapy, etc?
3. How often do you recommend tests and why?
4. What if I am having an emergency and need to call the office? How long does it take to get back to me? Would you be returning the call or would I have to speak to another Dr who doesn't know me or my disease history?
This is what I have come up with so far. Any other suggestions? Also, I'm in Las Vegas, NV if anyone has any good recommendation for Drs or even PA's. I asked that question before and someone mentioned that they loved their PA, but didn't mention a name so I didn't know where to start looking. I was also trying to give this dr a chance, but you can see how well that has worked out.