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    #1

    Dosctor call back

    Just wondering if anyone has had a problem with their doctor calling back. Had my annual visit with lab work in November. At that visit I forgot to ask if I could get the Shingrix vaccine while taking Tecfidera. Also had some questions related to the lab work. Nothing urgent but it's now 2 weeks. I've called twice. Not sure where the problem is. Did he actually get the message or is he too busy to respond.

    I understand that they are over loaded with patients but maybe my questions could have been fielded to a nurse etc. I never have this issue with my PCP. We communicate by email and it's very fast. I asked my neurologist at my appointment in November what would be the best way to communicate with him and he said to always call because he doesn't get a notice that he has an email.

    I might add that I have found this problem with other neurologists in my area. I only call if I can't find any info on the internet. Sad to think that the internet has become our first "go to".
    Tags: None
    #2
    This is normal for my PCP, but my neuro gets back to me right away. I sent an online message to the office late at night, and they called me before 9 the next morning. They also contacted me with my last MRI results about 3 hours after i got home from having it. i love this guy!

    I'm lucky in that the health system he works out of has a detailed site for patients where you can access your test results and the doctors' comments almost immediately.

    With my PCP, you just have to keep calling and calling and calling. My daughter's nickname for the receptionist is something I can't put in print, but we really think she doesn't bother to pass on most messages.

    Comment

      #3
      Doctor call back

      NoraS
      That's great about your neurologist. I would love to find someone like that. I'm in the northeast. I go to Boston to a very reputable practice. Very smart doctor and very likeable. Just not great about responding.

      Comment

        #4
        Hi rsinger.

        I am sorry your Neurologist nor the office returns your calls. In your shoes I definitely would not be very happy.

        I have been with the same Neurology practice for 35 years (two different Neurologists, same practice) and have always had my calls returned. It was not uncommon for my first Neurologist to call me at 8 or 9 at night.
        Diagnosed 1984
        “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

        Comment

          #5
          Doctor call back

          I'm pretty lucky with my MS. No disabilities at all. So I'm a pretty easy patient to manage. Been taking Tecfidera for 5 years. My annual appointments are very very good. Mostly chatting and some of the basic examinations. It might be time to look around for another neurologist. Been with this well known group for 7 years.
          All I want is a simple call back or email to address my question and go over my blood work.

          Comment

            #6
            My neuro has a nurse's extention where you can leave a mess. I usually get a call back the day of or the next day. If they need to talk to Dr. it may be a day or two.

            MY pcp test results is usually anywhere from 4 days to a wk.

            Two weeks are way to much time.
            God Bless Us All

            Comment

              #7
              Originally posted by REG53 View Post
              MY pcp test results is usually anywhere from 4 days to a wk.
              After many years I finally found a new PCP practice that is simply amazing. My PCP is quite kind and understanding and even helped me off the exam table after my yearly exam. Her mother has MS so she has a good understanding of the disease.

              This Practice has a LabCorp on premise so I receive my results usually within a day or two. I recently had an Ultrasound (off site) and the PA called me about 5pm that same day with the results.
              Diagnosed 1984
              “Lightworkers aren’t here to avoid the darkness…they are here to transform the darkness through the illuminating power of love.” Muses from a mystic

              Comment

                #8
                Yes; it's sad that you have to use the internet.

                I've been fortunate.

                My PCP's nurse is good about returning messages on their portal quickly.

                My MS specialist used to have a nurse who used email for their patients (years ago, before portal). I haven't had a need to contact them in recent years (new nurse, and have a portal now).

                I think it's usually about the nurses, not the doctor.

                But I did have one awesome doctor. My previous neurologist (10+ years ago) always returned my phone calls personally, usually within an hour.

                Perhaps you can ask, at your next appointment, what is the best way to contact them.
                - phone?
                - email or portal?
                - what's the best time of day?

                And when can/should you call?
                - in a flare?
                - with medication questions?
                - waiting for test results?
                - etc

                Maybe even preface the conversation by mentioning that you've had trouble getting a response in the past. You could have the conversation with either the nurse or the doctor, or both.
                ~ 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.

                Comment

                  #9
                  Doctor call back

                  Mamabug
                  Thanks for your response. At my visit in November I asked my doctor if I should use email or call. He said he never has time to sort through emails and calling to leave a message is the best way to ask any questions. I have my lab work results and 4 things are flagged. It seems that a call back to explain the results isn't asking too much. It's 2 weeks and I've called twice. When I called I asked the person if he was getting the message. She replied that he does get the messages. I'd like to think that he wasn't getting the message because now it appears he doesn't respond. What's the point of having lab work without a doctor calling a patient about the results?

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Doctor call back

                    Mambug
                    Just to follow up with this call back issue.
                    Just called again. Front desk person said I called 4 times and all messages have been sent to the doctor. I lost track of how many times I've called. Yikes. This is not good.

                    Comment

                      #11
                      rsinger

                      I would be so frustrated 😡!

                      It sounds like you've done everything I would have done: checked about emails vs. calls, calling back when there is no response, making sure doc is getting the message.

                      I don't know what a next step should be. Asking the nurse if it's necessary to schedule another appointment to discuss lab results? That would seem to be a waste of money. Maybe it would be a way to emphasize the importance of a return phone call?

                      You shouldn't need to do this!
                      ~ 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.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        My neurologist never called back either. I had to call multiple times for refills or appointments or questions. It was so frustrating. He was great in every other way though. Knowledgeable, very kind -- so I put up with it. And then, I had a bad relapse. Incredible pain. My primary care doctor called him, no response. I called him, no response. I was in pain for months. And then, finally, after more than 20 years, I switched doctors.

                        Think ahead. Imagine what it would be like if he didn't call back if it were truly urgent. If you can't handle that reality - and who could? - I'd seriously think about changing now.

                        Good luck...

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Doctor call back

                          Shawshank
                          You have a valid point. What kind of attention would I get if I had a relapse? It's so hard to find neurologists who specialize in MS. I can find a dozen dermatologists in a 5 mile radius from my house but maybe 2 MS specialists. I called again today but of course it's the day before Thanksgiving and everyone is gone. Left a message with the patient coordinator. I don't know where the problem is. If he is getting the messages and ignoring them that's pretty bad. I'd like to think he isn't getting the messages.
                          I'll know more on Monday. So disappointed.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Originally posted by rsinger View Post
                            It's so hard to find neurologists who specialize in MS. I can find a dozen dermatologists in a 5 mile radius from my house but maybe 2 MS specialists.
                            ...
                            I'll know more on Monday. So disappointed.
                            Wow! You have two MS specialists within a 5 mile radius?! I have zero. I have to drive three hours for my MS specialist. I could find some general neurologists within 30 miles, but ...

                            Even if you need to drive more than 5 miles, it might be worth finding a doc who will return your calls. Yup; if your doc won't return calls now, you might not receive a response in an emergency either.
                            ~ 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.

                            Comment

                              #15
                              Doctor call back

                              mamabug
                              I can't believe you have to drive 3 miles to your neurologist? What do you do if you have a problem. Update on the doctor call back issue. He did return my call yesterday and did apologize for the delay but no reason given. I guess I'm not a high priority these days. I only see him once annually and we are now going longer than one year for the MRI. No changes on MRI scans in over 5 years. Thinking of discontinuing the Tecfidera but somewhat timid about that move right now.
                              Stay well and Happy Thanksgiving

                              Comment

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