HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

My GI is always busy!

Support Forums
>
Ulcerative Colitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/28/2019 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone,
I haven’t seen my GI doctor in 3 years!
Whenever I call for an appointment, my doctor either booked for months or out of office, so I end up seeing her NP.
I’m really upset, any advice?
Posted 1/28/2019 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
I honestly don't mind seeing my GI's NP. I think she is great.

If you don't like how you are being treated, find a new doctor. I did the same thing about 3 months ago and it was the best decision I've ever made.
Posted 1/29/2019 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Many specialists, especially GI are booked 60+ days out. Some keep a few slots for emergency patients.

You should be booking every 6 to 12 months on a regular basis. Seeing the NP for med tweeks is a reasonable model for medical management.
Posted 1/29/2019 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
Most of these appointments were made because I had flare ups, not only follow up visits, actually one of them at least was an emergency I was flaring up badly.
I don’t mind seeing the NP, between now and then, but I think 3 years is too long. Last visit I had rectal pain and the NP didn’t even examine me, she was sitting on her chair typing and typing.
Posted 1/29/2019 8:40 AM (GMT 0)
My current and past GI and rheumy practices operated on a one year system: see the doc once per year and their NP/PA for anything interim. There’s no reason your doctor shouldn’t be able to get you on the schedule once per year. I’d talk to the practice about it and if they give you no joy then I’d switch if not happy.
Posted 1/29/2019 1:16 PM (GMT 0)
are you having a flare up now ? when you've had flare ups in the past, did they not get resolved ? what exactly is your need ?
Posted 1/29/2019 5:18 PM (GMT 0)
In the area you live, are there other gasteroenteroligist practices available within a sane driving radius? If you are unhappy with your current doctor's office then it might be time to shop around. I would ask any prospective new offices that very question: How often can I see my doctor in person?, what about emergencies like flares can I see him/her then?.

How do you feel about this NP, does he/she get you the answers you need within a timely manner? My experience with NPs is that they know a lot, and anytime a question goes above his/her head then they ask the doctor and get back to you asap. So a NP isn't a horrible situation. Better still to have the full doctor there when you can get him/her there.
Posted 1/29/2019 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
(Excuse ignorance but) what is an NP? Nurse practitioner?
Posted 1/29/2019 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Yeah, NP = Nurse Practitioner.
PA = Physician's Assistant.

Different amount of schooling and knowedge for MD (medical doctor) and those of course.
Posted 1/29/2019 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
I've had issues with my GI, too, but for different reasons and finally made an appointment with a new GI to see if I feel like I am getting more individualized treatment. I feel like a number at my current GI and like he often doesn't have enough time to listen and care. My new patient appointment isn't for several months at the new GI, but I'm hopeful it'll be a good fit. I think it's important to find a GI who has time for you.
Posted 1/29/2019 8:12 PM (GMT 0)

iPoop said...
Yeah, NP = Nurse Practitioner.
PA = Physician's Assistant.

Different amount of schooling and knowedge for MD (medical doctor) and those of course.

Thanks iPoop

Yep little_bear i also changed my dr/hospital because going for appointments felt like being on a production line/conveyor belt, that was if you could make it past The Wall aka the specialist nurse who decided if your case was serious enough to talk to a doctor about it. I am much happier with my new dr and hospital.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply