Tips for Choosing a New PCP?

[redkim]

I have seen my PCP I think twice in about two years. Usually because when I am sick she doesn't have appointments. She was good about the whole Chiari, thing (lol). I called and told her I needed her to request certain tests and she had her assistant call back to ask me what Chiari was and how to spell it. She scheduled the tests, then after they were reviewed scheduled me to see an NS...I didn't see her at all during this time. Since surgery I haven't seen her.

I have had this hospital as the go to hospital for me because I used to live and work close by, not it'e 20 minutes past where I live if coming from work.

So I called and they set me up to see a new DR in late December. I called today to see someone else at a different hospital, anyone really. And they said that since I am scheduled to see this other DR in Dec, they couldn't. But I told them I have two rare brain conditions and that I wanted to interview different doctors before committing to a new one, they got special permission, yeaahhh!

Anyways, I feel like I am making progress. Any advice on choosing a good PCP?

[n40066]

when you call to make an appt., ask if the dr. is familiar with chiari and whatever else you have going on.  if they say yes, ask how many patients she/he has seen with these issues.  as for a patient referal to see if you can talk to one or two of their patients that have the same diseases that you do and see how they feel.
good luck!

[selmaS]

Hi Kim...I have to agree with Lizzy that u need to call and "interview" the nurse about the drs practice. If they have had chairi patients she should know what it is as long as she isn't new.

My PCP has seen me at least once a month since my surgery...he has checked my scar ect.....for healing and did a follow up chest x ray.

I am sure u will find one to help with ur in btwn chiari care as well as over all health.....remember ur PCP should be part of ur chiari care bcuz he is to oversee ur health care in general and what ur specialist r suggesting for u.

I wish u well in finding one.....it may not be fun but u will benefit from having the right PCP.

Good Luck
"selma"

[redkim]

The problem is that I have Kaiser, well it's not that big of a problem.

But when I call to see a doctor they have a general helpline, so you don't get a nurse at that hospital, or office.  They have thousands of doctors in their network at different facilities.

I did talk to the assitant to my current DR and told herI had an appointment today at a different facility.  She looked up my record and said the Dr I am seeing is really great and I should keep my appointment with him.  So I guess I will "interview" him when I get checked out for some stomach problems.

[selmaS]

Sounds like the best plan....good luck with ur gerd issues.....I hope it is something easy to correct like med induced gerd.

Mine was so bad right after surgery buz of the drugs for surgery and meds after....

I am now feeling better, but not on ne major meds....even for the reflux....only if i stray from the diet...lol...but I do have a hiatal hernia as well.

Good luck with the interview !!

"selma"

[redkim]

They have never done any testing for GERD, so I don't even know if that's it.  I felt better after surgery for a few months...I don't take any med's so that can't be causing it.

[selmaS]

...well, I had mine b4 surgery and the meds made it flare....with stress and the surgery it is possible u have it...but a dr is the best way to find out.

Sometimes we do not notice it...there is one called silent reflux...so if u started with that u would not have known.

Keep me posted what u find out...like I may have mentioned..too little acid can cause the same feelings.

Good Luck
"selma"

[redkim]

I have had heartburn syptoms (symptoms) for a while, about four years.  But nothing like what I have now with the Headaches, fatigue, nausea, need to urinate and frequent urination, and extream thirst, shortness of breath and fast heart rate...

[selmaS]

Did u have ur thyroid checked?

I am told fatigue is common for chiarians even after surgery.......I have the bladder issues, but I have TC....

U may also want o check for diabetes.

[redkim]

Nope, not testing...just told to take x, y, or z...

[selmaS]

Well u deff should be tested to see what it is.....hiatial hernia or excess or too little acid.

I hope the dr u r seeing is going to check u completely.

I do know who frustrating having stomach issues on top of chairi  is...and I do pray u feel better soon.

"selma"

[Shane99]

The most important things about finding a new PCP is:

1.) Trust - does this doctor seem like they really care about you? Generally, your PCP is going to be the "captain of the ship" this person is in charge of your over-all health - you will see this doctor more that all your other ones combined. Anything you have done, the paperwork needs to be sent to your PCP. He/she is the one that is supposed to catch any medicine mistakes, and be aware of your whole-body health. Specialists are only concerned about their specialty.

2.) Willingness to learn - most PCPs are going to know very little about Chiari - it's a rare disorder. He/she will need to be willing to become something of an expert on it because of you. If they aren't willing to study on it and meet with your NS and NR, then you don't need him/her.