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    Is switching MS doctors difficult?

    I am feeling that I need to change doctors. My current Neuro is a MS specialist, and the one I've seen since initial diagnosis 6 years ago. I feel that she doesn't really listen to me. During the appointment she practically talks non-stop; I can hardly get anything in. When she asks me a question, as soon as I get a phrase out she starts talking again. If she spends more than 5 minutes with me that's a rare appointment. I often think that since I am doing very well, I'm not very interesting to her.

    I am interested in alternative therapies, alongside a DMD. I don't think she is knowledgeable about them. Which is okay, as I certainly can get that information myself. But it would be nice to have a Neuro who is supportive and interested in things other than medication.

    The final piece: at my most recent appointment she changed my medication to an oral medication. [While I'm doing well on Beta, injection fatigue and side effects have become intolerable.] Well, the appointment was 1 month ago and I still do not have the medication. The office staff submitted the authorization but not the prescription. After several calls this week, I finally talked to a staff person on Friday. She said she would re-send the prescription .... who knows when I'll finally get the med.

    I never can talk with my doctor when I call and she has never returned a call to me. I have to leave a message on the machine, and hopefully be available whenever they (a staff person) call me back. If I miss the call, I have to leave another message and the cycle begins again.

    So, my questions to you:
    1) is it typical in a MS practice to not to speak with someone when you call, and leave message for a return call?
    2) how long do your routine appointments last? what does the doctor do during your follow-up exams?

    My biggest question, though, is - how difficult is it to switch Neuros? Is the difficulty with insurance, medication, and going over everything with someone new worth it?

    Thanks for reading this lengthy post. I would appreciate all advice!

    phoebe

    #2
    if you are not comfortable with your doctor, by all means switch. It is not as difficult as you think. To answer your questions, where I go it is not common to leave a message, you always get to talk to someone. My appointment generally last just a little bit longer than yours may be about 20 minutes total, unless I am asking a lot of questions, or we are hung up on a certain topic. It should not be difficult getting the records from your doctor, all you have to do is ask for them. And if by chance they ask you why, make sure you tell them the truth.
    It already sounds as though your mind is made up to switch doctors. This is not a bad thing. If you do not have confidence in your doctor, you will be questioning every little thing that happens when you go. Save yourself the anguish and find a doctor you have confidence in. Good luck.
    hunterd/HuntOP/Dave
    volunteer
    MS World
    hunterd@msworld.org
    PPMS DX 2001

    "ADAPT AND OVERCOME" - MY COUSIN

    Comment


      #3
      I agree, if you are not happy with your current doctor, you certainly are well within your means to switch.

      You may need a referral from your PCP to see a new neuro. You might also need to check with your insurance to see which neuros would be covered under your plan. When your medications come up to refill, you will need a new prescription from the new doctor. But who knows, maybe a new doctor can come up with a different and better treatment plan for you.

      I have to tell you though, that I rarely will get to talk to my neuro. But, they have an awesome staff of nurses that return calls very quickly and can get the job done.

      We all deserve to have the very best medical care that we can get. Good luck with everything. It's worth it in the end.

      Comment


        #4
        This post is almost 4 years old, but may be helpful in your situation.


        http://www.msworld.org/forum/showthr...g-Neurologists

        Comment


          #5
          If you aren't happy with your current specialist, I would suggest looking for a different neurologist. It shouldn't be too difficult to make the change. It could be difficult finding another MS specialist. Good luck

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by phoebe... View Post
            ...
            I am interested in alternative therapies, alongside a DMD. I don't think she is knowledgeable about them. Which is okay, as I certainly can get that information myself. But it would be nice to have a Neuro who is supportive and interested in things other than medication.
            I suspect that you'd have difficulty finding any MS Specialist, neurologist, or even primary care physician (PCP) who is supportive or interested in things other than medication. You may need to supplement your medical care with a naturopath, if that's what you're looking for.

            Originally posted by phoebe... View Post
            ...
            is it typical in a MS practice to not to speak with someone when you call, and leave message for a return call?
            I have only had one doctor, ever, who returned calls personally. And, it's not uncommon, with my PCP, to leave a message. With my MS Specialist, my phone calls would always go to the nurse's voice mail, and, it may take weeks for her to return a call. I discovered that I get quick replies if I email her instead.

            Originally posted by phoebe... View Post
            ...
            how long do your routine appointments last? what does the doctor do during your follow-up exams?
            Sometimes, if there is not a lot to talk about, maybe only 15 minutes or so. But, my MS doc will take as much time as I want or need. Sometimes, they've probably been an hour. Wonderful! But, the down side to that is that, sometimes, she is running an hour or two late for appointments because she also takes a lot of time with her other patients.

            Originally posted by phoebe... View Post
            ...
            My biggest question, though, is - how difficult is it to switch Neuros? Is the difficulty with insurance, medication, and going over everything with someone new worth it?
            I switched doctors once. My PCP referred me to an MS Specialist, when I wished to upgrade from my general neurologist. It could have taken about 6 months to get in, due to a waiting list. But, I asked to be put on the cancellation list, so it was only about 2 months. I had my records forwarded to her by previous care-givers (PCP, neuro, ER, hospital, Mayo Clinic' included 7 MRI's). Her office only called one day ahead to schedule appointment, but, she had, in that time, read all of my records and knew my medical hx thoroughly.

            I suspect it depends on the doctor. Worked well for me.
            ~ Faith
            MSWorld Volunteer -- Moderator since JUN2012
            (now a Mimibug)

            Symptoms began in JAN02
            - Dx with RRMS in OCT03, following 21 months of limbo, ruling out lots of other dx, and some "probable stroke" and "probable CNS" dx for awhile.
            - In 2008, I was back in limbo briefly, then re-dx w/ MS: JUL08
            .

            - Betaseron NOV03-AUG08; Copaxone20 SEPT08-APR15; Copaxone40 APR15-present
            - Began receiving SSDI / LTD NOV08. Not employed. I volunteer in my church and community.

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