3 Suggestions For Preparing For Neuro Visit

[MsWobbles]

Hi, MSers,

Recently saw a new neuro - nice man, good, appears caring and honest - but things were very rushed in that office.  I have read all about preparing for the neuro visit here, but I will add a few more things that I feel could help.

First of all, when you make your initial appointment, ask them to MAIL you all the papers that will require completion before your first visit.  I arrived to the neuro's office an hour early for my appointment (partially because I had just proceeded to spill a full cup of hot coffee all down my front (made me think of McDonald's) and needed to change clothes there as soon as they opened - being out of town).  Nevertheless, I was there an hour early and really couldn't get the paperwork done before I was called back (bad brain fog!!).  If I had had the paperwork mailed to me, I could have completed it easily at a comfortable pace, it would have been more thorough and accurate, ready to present upon arrival to the office, and certainly would have been more legible since I would not have been rushed.  

Second, prepare a punchy overview of your symptoms and needs that you can state in 30 seconds or less.  You can type up pages of it all in greater detail to hand to the physician later in the visit, but on your initial encounter, opening the visit, the MD needs to know your situation in a nutshell and will often not be willing to listen to much more than 30 seconds' worth of info.  He/she may even be confused by more info than that.  Think of your first meeting with a new neuro as like being at a cocktail party:  Keep communication short and punchy.  With my brain fog, it was impossible to extemporaneously condense 5+ years of symptoms into an effective and brief statement.  

Third, if the neuro has occasion to precipitously and briefly leave the room, you might consider glancing at his computer screen.  The MD you have seen busily entering info, as you talk, into his computer, might actually be working on another patient's record.  Just when we think we have seen and experienced it all, something like that happens!!  It never ends!!

WAF
  

[MsWobbles]

Yes, a different patient record was on his screen. Not sure for how long.  He had been told earlier of some sudden issue with a patient and may have pulled it up then.   I never imagined it could happen either. Not sure how much of my info might not have been heard or registered.  Overall, I thought he was an excellent doctor - maybe just the sudden problem with the other patient caused this.  At any rate, it can happen (but is not likely).

In a similar, but worse vein, years ago, I became aware that a rather pricey psychologist was making personal calls related to the construction of his new office during my son's therapy sessions with him.  Dropped that guy!!  

WAF

[risnerrose]

Having the forms mailed ahead of time is a great idea.  I always get bogged down filling out the paperwork . . . plus, the forms are such tiny print it is tiring to read them.  

Was your neuro actually entering info on another patient, or were you simply saying it could happen?  I've never even imagined this possibility :(