[Macophile]

I just found out my Rheumatology Dr. left the practice- without notifying me, or passing me off to another Dr. (Apparently the one who was her boss and was also my Dr. isn't my Dr. anymore either). When I called to make an appointment- completely oblivious to the fact I had no Dr.- I nearly sent the receptionist into conniptions. She kept saying "Are you sure you aren't a new patient?" and "Well, I don't know what to do with you" and in the background i hear another receptionist saying: "Oh Just give her to Dr. __ I guess." It's like, Gee, thanks.
I'm like how do I start off from scratch with a new person who has no background with my case. Anyone have any experience with things like this? How do I bring up new symptoms when he doesn't even know my old ones?

[Twinkletoes]

I don't blame you for being upset! Tough to start at Square #1 with a new doc. But maybe you'll get a good one. Good luck!

[Dmom3005]

First you find out how much he knows about your case. And then you proceed to straighten him out.

I personally would hope that its the best in the practice after the way they treated you.

You have the right to complain.

Donna

[Macophile]

The thing I am almost expecting is: "Tell me about the case from the beginning" which in a way would be a good thing because they would hear it all from me, but bad because that would mean the whole apt time would be spent in the past, with not much time on what is going on now.

Of course it could happen that it will be a: "I've read your case, so I know what to do" type of thing.


And I am pretty sure I am getting a Fellow, as he is not on the Hospitals website... the doc I had before, her boss was the director of the fellows and he was very involved with my case- in fact he was who I was referred to, but anyway- Idk, this whole thing is just strange.

[Peter B]

What about the oath doctors take?
When you find a new doctor, ask the staff at the old one to send your files to him.
This is normal practice when you change doctors, so should not be a problem.

[Macophile]

Originally Posted by Peter B

What about the oath doctors take?
When you find a new doctor, ask the staff at the old one to send your files to him.
This is normal practice when you change doctors, so should not be a problem.

Well, the problem is, I did not change Dr's- like practicies- it is all within the same group- it is just a completely different person. And It wasn't my choice to switch anyway, I was dropped (Ok, the dr. left, and her boss seems to have dissapeared) and this other Dr. is the one they gave my case to.

[Peter B]

I guess in that case there isn't much you can do apart from educating the new doctor. Annoying, but it will happen to all of us one time or another as doctors retire or move etc.
Just makes you wonder how you would actually go about explaining your medical history to a new doctor.
The records are probably brief, and would be notes for the doctor's benefit or understanding, and may not mean the same to others.
I suggest that you write up your medical history as best you can, inclusive but brief, as they don't like to spend more than a few minutes on patient notes.
This is actually a good chance to put your perspective across and to ensure that your history is properly recorded.
May be a blessing in disguise.
Treat it as a positive, I say.

[Dmom3005]

Let us know how it goes. And how you are doing.

Donna

[Macophile]

Originally Posted by Dmom3005

Let us know how it goes. And how you are doing.

Donna

I will. My Apt is in the middle of Oct. so I have a little while to go, but I will update when I finally see him.

[GmaSue]

Originally Posted by Peter B

I guess in that case there isn't much you can do apart from educating the new doctor. Annoying, but it will happen to all of us one time or another as doctors retire or move etc.
Just makes you wonder how you would actually go about explaining your medical history to a new doctor.
The records are probably brief, and would be notes for the doctor's benefit or understanding, and may not mean the same to others.
I suggest that you write up your medical history as best you can, inclusive but brief, as they don't like to spend more than a few minutes on patient notes.
This is actually a good chance to put your perspective across and to ensure that your history is properly recorded.
May be a blessing in disguise.
Treat it as a positive, I say.

So true, PeterB! I recently had a blessing in disguise when I had to switch doctors (internist) recently due to insurance. Discovered my health hx was very incomplete and in 1 big issue was completely wrong. I had a feeling they weren't keeping a clear summary of all of the specialists' reports & lab reports, so I asked for my records and hand carried them to my new doctor. That way I had lots of time to review them. I have known for some time that I should be keeping my own chart-and this was just the push I needed to get it done.