Hepatologist vs. GI

[LadyY]

hello everyone
I am close to 6 wks tx. I am gonna see a hep dr. next wk and I wanna know if i can switch (what with scripts..and all) dr's in the midst of this? i get my meds. through my insur. pharmacy. I don't like calling my insur. co., because scared they might look into my case more and stop paying for tx. My plan only covered 2500.00 per year for prescriptions with 100.00 deduct. Obviously...this is costing a whole lot more. Logically...I know that these are unusual life threatening circumstances...but still...I don't go out of my way communicating with them. I have been very disappointed with the GI who started me on tx.. I just don't feel he is all that knowledgable..I should have said I know he is not up to date regarding clinical studies and such and am hoping that this hep dr. will be cutting edge...we shall see. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanx

[Lilla]

I switched doctors at week #5 due to the fact my original GI left the practice he was with, no warning, and the practice of doctors he was with, cancelled my appt with nothing else said.  I was left hanging - not even a call or suggestion for me to see someone else in their practice.   I went on a hunt for someone different and was referred to an infectious disease doctor in my area.   Nothing else was done with the drugs as they were originally prescribed thru the GI and I've been continuing with them under his name so far (I'm week #12).   All blood work requests have been switched to new doctor's name.

[jmjm530]

Sure. People switch doctors mid-treatment all the time. When I switched, I used my current prescriptions (from old doctor) until they ran out. What you have to keep on top of is when your Peg and Riba prescriptions expire. The insurance company may send a refill questionaire to the old doctor unless you contact them with the name of your new doctor. And of course you would want to go over your rx situation with whoever handles that at your new doctors office to make sure you have continuity. I don't see why informing the insurance company you're switching doctors should make them stop paying for treatment.

-- Jim

[GrandmaA]

Hi,
I switched doctors when my viral load went up a little at week 11. It hs been undetectable since week 15. I didn't get it checked in other weeks. I'm very happy with my new clinic and N.P. These folks are hepatologists. The former doctor who is a GI is now retiring. But he did do a beautiful job on the biopsy a few years ago.

[copyman]

usually the doc only prescribes for 3 or 6 months at a time. so sooner or later you may have to get a new prescription. i know what you are saying about the less you speak with ins co the better. i can not get away with anything with my ins co. as soon as i think i got away with something i get a bill in the mail. LOL, now since i went ahead and spoke about it in this post i will be getting a bill in the next few days.  

[madbrad]

It's my honest opinion that anyone dx'd with Hep..Should only be treated by a Hepatologist.....I mean come on think about it..You would go to a Plumber = GI doc???..Or a bodyman = cosmetic surg???...LOL.no

[FlGuy]

The way my tx doc (a GI) wields a colonscope you'd think he was a plumber.  Just as good from either end.

[madbrad]

Thats a hooooooot dude......ROFLMBO!