I have to find another neuro

[emily06]

My current one isn't on the ball about getting me the Aubagio he prescribed. It's been over 4 months now and I hear from others it doesn't take that long. A lot of other times I have not been able to get hold of him or his office.

SO I got the names of a couple other neuros that someone I trust recommended. But how do I go about that. At this point I guess getting the Aubagio is an "open case" with Dr. Aralu, my current dr. What do I say when I call another dr.'s office. Do I tell them about my problem and that's why I am in need of another dr. I have a huge file with the other dr. which I guess most MS patients have, will they be able to pass all my info onto new dr.

Is there some easy way for the transition?

[KitOP]

Hi Emily,

You may need to start back with your PCP to get a referral to another neuro as many times they will require this.

If you have names of other neuros, give their office a call and see if they would require this.

You may also want to check with your insurance to see if the other doctors are covered under your plan.

In either case, the new doctor can send a request to the current neuro for medical records and they should be able to send copies to the new doctor.

I hope it all goes well for you. I've had to switch more than once myself to find the best neuro for me. They are out there and imo, having a doctor that you can trust and work with is so important.

Good Luck!

[Kimba22]

Hi Emily,

Like KitOP suggested, check with your insurance company first, to see which doctors are in your plan. I can go on line and see which doctors are in my plan. And find out if you need a referral from your PCP. I prefer seeing a MS Specialist, but there are good general neuros out there. I've had to change doctors several times for various reasons, and it's no biggie. Patients switch doctors all the time.

Just ask for the copies of your medical records, or ask that they are sent to the new neuro. Make sure you call before your appt. to make .certain the new office has your records before your appt. I think in your case, I'd ask for the copies of my records and hand deliver them when I see the new neuro, since they don't seem on the ball otherwise. You will need to sign a release first, then wait a few days for them to make copies of your records. Be persistent, once I had to call several times before an office finally got my records together.

It's always seems a bit awkward at first when I see a new doctor, since it does take a few appts for us to get to know each other. But, that's perfectly normal.

And, no, it should not take 4 months to get a DMT! (Maybe the only time it takes a little while is it's a brand new DMT, but even at that, it still shouldn't take that long.) Your current neuro and his office are definitely not on the ball. Depending on the the new neuro, it might take a few months to get an appt. You can ask to be put on a cancellation list, or keep calling to ask if they have any new openings, if that's the case.

I hope the Aubagio comes thru before then, but I would definitely be looking for a new neuro.

Good luck and and I hope you like your new neuro!

[dyin_myelin]

Emily,

Try calling Genzyme on Monday. They want you on this med as much as you do: Contact Us: 1-855-676-6326

I have been trying to get a call back from my neuro for a six month JC test for two months (I had the initial screen over nine moths ago). She is a good neuro but I guess with research, teaching, and other patients (usually brain tumors) a fast turnaround is not possible, you have my sympathies.

[mjan]

First of all, I am sorry you are going through this dilemma. Not to defend your current Neuro but I wonder if he knows his office is not running efficiently?

When I meet a new doctor I ask what is the best way to reach you? Most use a triage system, email, MY CHART, and phone messages. If you are not even hearing back from his staff that is a concern for him as well. Then you also need to ask what is an emergency type call, who and when do you get test results, things like that.

Otherwise, did you feel you were being heard, helped and got thorough exams? Guess not huh?

Good luck with whatever your decision may be.

Warmly, Jan

[emily06]

Genzyme

thanks dyin mylein for the Genzyme # but unfortunately that is the number I've been calling for the past 4 months and still no aubagio. They say it's the dr./dr's office holding things up.

[poppydarling]

SO I got the names of a couple other neuros that someone I trust recommended. But how do I go about that.
Is there some easy way for the transition?

I feel you -- my MS clinic can be awful with follow-through and logistics (worse recently) and since they go through phases, it's like breaking up and making up with a guy you just can't quit We deserve better.

In desperation, I recently called a neuro in my city to see if he'd be my "additional" or first-line call--i.e. someone who'd actually return calls in a timely manner--and was told he wouldn't see me while I was seeing another neuro. I understand this, but then again, I don't -- if I want to pay three neuros to make one good team, that's what I need! It's crazy how things are run according to their convenience and emotional comfort, not the patient's.

Maybe interview these docs first, to see if it's a good fit, before anyone makes the call to transfer files? as that move prompted a little drama at my clinic (please don't leave, we promise to do better, etc.) Got better, now back to the way it was. Guessing I'll have to drive 500 miles back up to my large hometown city to get what I'm looking for.