Scheduling at OHSU Yikes!

[Fluffysmom]

I just called and tried to make an appointment with a new neurologist at OHSU, and they want my history and  chart notes for the last 6 months, including the two bad neuros. They need a referral from my PCP although my insurance doesn't require one.  They review my information and decide whether or not they want to see me.  They will calll me and let me know if I have been chosen.

Is this worth the trouble?  Will a good neuro discount the bad stuff written by egotistical dismissive neuros?  Should I give it a try, or go elsewhere?

what do you think?

[Fluffysmom]

My brain MRI was done on a 1.5, and showed "multiple mm sized area of increased and abnormal water signal scattered throughout the supratentotial white matter tracts.  The appearance and distribution of these lesions is far and away most consistent with multiple sclerosis"

I've had two neurologists decide that I don't have MS because my lesions aren't "textbook", my lumbar puncture was clear, and my symptoms aren't classic enough.  My primary care doctor had heard from some patients about "white matter disease", but from what I've read, that simply means disease of the white matter, which can include MS and a quite a few other diseases.

I'm sorry, no answers.

My sympathy, I had Kaiser for 6.5 years and really didn't like it, to put it mildly.

Good luck, hope you find a good neurologist that can find you some answers.

Kathy

[denise61]

HI, And so glad you posted!! Have you had a mri of the brain? the reson Iam asking is beacouse my Conclusion: on my mri is:

( MODERATE CEREVRAL WHITH MATTER DISEASE)  And the DRs are telling me nothing!!!  I found this out by myself, I  got  my medical records.  I have been fighting the DR.S for a referral to OHSU also.

I have seen a Neuro, threw a kaiser inc. Its A battle!! I hope you get your referral!!! Do you know what magnet the machines are??  Kaisers are 1.5 only!! And they will not even do my mris  with contrast only with out!!!

[Fluffysmom]

I called my PCP's office yesterday and they will probably fax my information today or Tuesday to OHSU.  I want to see a Sports Medicine surgeon up there for a hip labral tear, so I need to learn the process.  My sports and spine doc said she (the hip surgeon) is the only one in town to do a good job on me, with my multiple issues.

I'll be seeing a neuro that consults with the MS center, not dealing with them directly.  If I'm acceptable, that is!  :o)

My best friend is trying to be seen by a neuro at St. V's, and she had to go through the same process.  She has a severe neck issue with electric shock pains through her head, and a referral from her ENT who ordered her neck MRI.  And she has to wait and see if they find her acceptable.  It's all very strange to me.

I may call Providence, too, have heard some good stuff about there.  I'll see if it's the same process.  I'm not sure what else to do, since my last two neuros were such a bust.  The first one I got scheduled for two weeks out right away.  The second (referred by my PCP and a good neuroradiologist) took a month to see, and if you've read my post about female neuros at the Weenie Roast, you know how that turned out.

Thanks for the well wishes.  

[aura3]

Sorry for the head ache!!  I would have never know.  

I really believe it will be worth it, if you get answers.  
I would ask you PCP to get you in sense your last neuro was such a dud!

Good luck and sorry for the trouble,
Aura

[monotreme]

Kathy,
  I would let the PCP handle it too.  The PCP could decide what notes to give to OHSU.  Maybe the PCP could write a summary for you instead of getting actual notes from the neuros.

  I have a general sense of caution when a medical center is that inflexible.  Who are they to deny someone an appt??  To me, it says they have a bad attitude and don't want to "waste" their time on people who they think don't warrant their time and attention.  

  I have gotten the impression from someone else I have dealt with at OHSU that the MS center has "an attitude" meaning not a good one.  But decide for yourself and see what the PCP can do for you.

Elaine

Good Luck,
Elaine

[Fluffysmom]

I told the scheduler that I wanted the new neurologist to form her own opinion of my case and would prefer to send just the test results, but she said that they require the chart notes.  

Maybe my PCP could be selective; she is really great.  

Thanks, I'll give her office a call.

Kathy

[alastria]

In situations like that, I ask my PCP to handle it.  Is that an option for you?  My PCP is great and will call directly for me and take care of it.  This gets the appointment much sooner.  Then you may not need to include the notes from the previous neuros, just the test results.