old doc new doc

[giddyup]

Hi all.I Just wanted to share what was on my mind.For the last few years I've been seeing a doc at Cornell medical center in NYC.He's been great. He only works with hep c research. He listens and is compassionate and knowledgable. He's in the same office as Dr Ira Jacobson. Oh well, after 2 txs and a year of maintenance He sent me a letter saying he's moving to a Harvard related liver program at Beth Isreal in Boston.Good for Boston bad for me. So I'm keeping my appointment  at cornell in October But I Don't know my new Doctor there. Insurance also may not cover the new doc.I also plan on going to Boston to see my old doc at least from time to time. It's like starting over again in some ways, but of course I know much more about Hep then I did when I was diognosed. So much stress! Is it rediculus to drive 5 hours to see my favorite doc? Best wishes to all-Giddyup

[wyntre9]

Thanks for the info but I thought you were seeing a Dr. at Cornell University, upstate NY, and not NYC!

Silly me!

I'm in a similar boat:  I don't want to switch Dr.'s now, in large part because of insurance issues, but after I finish TX, in 32 more weeks, I will want to follow-up with someone closer.

My Dr. suggested Albany Medical Center, about an hour from where I am now.  But when it gets time to switch, I may opt for NYC or Boston as they're both the same distance from my new location.

Good Luck with whatever you decide.  And, FWIW, if you're that comfortable with your current Dr. and you don't need to see him that often, I would consider sticking with him.  It can be hard to develop a rapport with another Dr.

Wyntre

[giddyup]

Hi wyntre, the office I go to is at the Weill Cornell  Medical College in NYC  tel [phone] They're very hip to new reseach studies and of course have many good doctors. good luck!

[wyntre9]

I'm still doing the 5 hour RT to see my Jersey Dr. even thoughI moved last May.

But after week 48, I'm thinking about switching to someone closer for TX extension and follow-up..

I now live fairly close to Cornell U but don't know any of the Dr.'s there.

Can you recommend anyone besides your wonderful Dr.?

wyntre

[giddyup]

Thank you all for your very helpful comments. Current strategy is to continue maintenance (been on it for over a year now) as I failed 2 txs and am stage four. I hate to lose a good doc so I'll probably see both for the mean time. giddy

[jmjm530]

I think you will be in good hands at either facility. And as FLGuy says, they have Fibroscan at Beth Israel. I didn't have an insurance problem seeing out of state doctors for consults, but you could run into a problem if your old doctor is no longer covered under your plan at his new location. Of course check it out, but if he isn't, alternatively you could treat with Dr. Nezm Afdhal at Beth Israel. He heads up their liver facility as is one of the best.

-- Jim

[frijole]

It is good to see your name.   Heck, 5 hours -that's only half way across Texas.  However, I would be doubtful that the insurance company  would pay on him out of state.  I would think they would pay in state. You are between treatments, is that right?  What is the current stategy?
frijole

[FlGuy]

The doc will be in good company at Beth Israel.  If you don't need to see the doc real frequently, is 5 hours to Boston so bad?  I think there is a fibroscan at Beth Israel.

[debnevada]

you may be able to continue to see your doc long distance if you DO schedule appointments from time to time and arrange with your local internist to work with your doctor.

I live in Las Vegas and although my doc comes here once a month or so but he corresponds via email with me very frequently.  Usually answers within four hours.  My local internist has contact with him and they basically work together.  My doc is in San Francisco.

Deb