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How long do you expect to wait for a call back from your gastroenterologist?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 9/2/2008 11:52 PM (GMT 0)
What's a reasonable amount of time to wait for a call back? I called to report return of symptoms at 8:45 this morning, and have yet to hear back. Based on past experience, I won't be hearing tonight, and I will probably have to call again in the morning with a reminder -- making me feel like a problem patient! (Which I'm sure I am, since I'm sick and worried.)

I would like to get a second opinion, but am afraid of offending this doctor when I already seem to be in the PITA list. Thoughts?
Posted 9/3/2008 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
WHen I call my GI's nurse, I get a response that day or at the very least the next.
Posted 9/3/2008 12:57 AM (GMT 0)

I called my GI this morning too at about the same time and I didn't get a call back either. However, my GI doesn't call back - her "medical assistant" does and it is so frustrating because she doesn't seem to have much knowledge on any kind of medical issue. She's just a go-between me and the GI.  If I ask her a question, she can't answer it.  I think I will look for a new doctor if the situation gets too bad.

EKW
UC, diagnosed 2/07
Lialda
SCD 7 months
Assorted vitamins and probiotics

Posted 9/3/2008 1:21 AM (GMT 0)

I do believe we all have different situations with gastro docs, etc.  I call and get receptionist who gives me a nurse who asks me questions and finds out why I need a call back.  I get a call back from the nurse practicioner usually late same day who is much nicer than the doctor.  Anyway, in the meantime or at least by next day she confers with the doctor on my problems, etc.  Rachel is wonderful and young enough to be my granddaughter.  She told me that according to what the nurse tells her she responds accordingly so I should confide in the nurse whatever I need and if I need immediate attention!

ElaineNY

Posted 9/3/2008 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
I usually get a call back in about an hour or two. I have been seeing this GI for about a year and a half. With my old GI, I was lucky if I got a call back within 2 days! They were awful about calling back! Good luck. I say just call them again in the morning. It's not your fault they didn't call you back. You're not being a problem patient. You have a genuine concern and they are medical professionals, so that's why you ask them the questions!! They should answer in a timely manner. At least I think that is acceptable! :)
Posted 9/3/2008 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Not sure if some of this matters, but I have a definite affinity to my GI's office. THe people are amazingly helpful, and my particular GI is an outstanding person. The conversations we have had have been nothing if not relieving and educational. I found a doctor that, as luck would have it, is only 5 years older than I am. He seems to truly empathize with my situation and genuinely seems interested in my treatment and remission.
Posted 9/3/2008 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
I would call them atleast 2x a day. You need to worry about yourself alittle more and not so much if you are going to upset someone. A UC flare wont cure itself you need help asap. And get a second opinion if you like, the doctor will understand. Either way with UC your GI specialist will be your new best friend, if its off to a rocky start look for a new one. If i called in the morning i would want to hear from them by the end of the day or the next atleast.
Posted 9/3/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
If I call before 3 PM, I almost always get a callback from the PA between 4 and 6. If I call after 3, it's the next morning.
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