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In Tears: Bad Doctor Saga Part 2

C-Girl

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C-Girl Contributor
C-Girl
Posted

I got the most unusual call today after scheduling an appointment with another GI after my last Bad Doctor experience.

 

I had seen Doctor 2 after Doctor 1 diagnosed me for a number of reasons: doctor 2 was closer, doctor 2 was supposedly *the* celiac guy here and I just didn't like Dr. 1.

 

Dr. 2 said I needed an endoscopy, just as Dr. 1 did, but when I called billing to get estimates on my out of pocket costs, it was a full $1500 more than Dr. 1 to get it done by Dr. 2. Yikes! I figure, I'll just get the labs done by Dr. 1.

 

Dr. 1 then was BAD DOCTOR at my first follow-up appointment after the endo, and he made me cry.

 

Still having issues, still needing a Not Bad Doctor to care for me, I called and made an appointment with Dr. 2.

 

The nurse called me the morning of my appointment to tell me that because I had gone to another doctor, Dr. 2 would not see me. I asked why??? Oh "we don't bounce between doctors like that". I told her, but I only did it because your lab was 10x more expensive! They don't care! The doctor WILL NOT SEE ME.

 

Another M#$*(&#$ FU#$(*(*#$ doctor made me cry! I want to go stab him in the eye!!! I'm so tired of doctors reducing me to tears. What the holy hell is wrong with these people?

 

Can anyone recommend a doctor in the triangle, NC area who will NOT MAKE ME CRY? Or if he/she does, it will be tears of joy? Because I'd really like some tears of joy right now....

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kareng Grand Master
kareng
Posted

Maybe dr 1 would give you a referral? Send your records to dr 2? Tell them it's just closer to dr 2 so you would like to change? Maybe if dr 2 knows it's ok with 1?

C-Girl Contributor
C-Girl
Posted
  • Author

Maybe dr 1 would give you a referral? Send your records to dr 2? Tell them it's just closer to dr 2 so you would like to change? Maybe if dr 2 knows it's ok with 1?

 

I sent my Dr. 1 records to Dr. 2 prior to the appointment time. I apparently hurt his delicate feelings by not following up with him and his overpriced lab. How could I know how much emotional investment that he had in cramming a tube down my throat? Maybe he'd been fantasizing about it for weeks and I denied him.

moosemalibu Collaborator
moosemalibu
Posted

They clearly don't take you seriously as a patient. It shouldn't matter where your tests are performed. Doctors have colleagues and colloborate. They somehow have labeled you negatively. I know some doctors have issues with 'prescription seeking' people... but that is NOT what you are doing. So frustrating!! ((Hugs)) 

C-Girl Contributor
C-Girl
Posted
  • Author

They clearly don't take you seriously as a patient. It shouldn't matter where your tests are performed. Doctors have colleagues and colloborate. They somehow have labeled you negatively. I know some doctors have issues with 'prescription seeking' people... but that is NOT what you are doing. So frustrating!! ((Hugs)) 

I was thinking the same thing, somehow I've been classified as a bad patient and now nobody wants to see me. So I guess I just figure stuff out through the internet now, eh? Thank god I have this forum.

KCG91 Enthusiast
KCG91
Posted

The only possible logic I can think of for that decision is that Dr 2 doesn't want to base his diagnosis and treatment on someone else's work (am I correct in thinking that endoscopies, as with biopsies, sometimes miss things?).

 

Devil's advocate played, he just sounds like an a*se who is just out for the $. Really sorry for you :( *hugs*

ravenwoodglass Mentor
ravenwoodglass
Posted

Sounds like one and two are both jerks.

If the first doctor diagnosed you and you just want follow up blood work to see if your antibodies are down your regular GP can order those tests. It does take a bit of time to heal and if you have other intolerances that are slowing down that process there isn't anything the doctors can do to help figure them out anyway.

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LauraTX Rising Star
LauraTX
Posted

A lot of doctors have problems with patients seeking medical care elsewhere and not telling them, and for continuity of care reasons I can understand why doctor number 2 discontinued the patient relationship.  It doesn't have to have anything to do with drug seeking behavior (of course if that is present it complicates things) but if they can't keep track of what testing and treatments their patient is getting, they can't safely treat the patient, which can lead to ethical and liability issues.  Now their policy is strict, but I understand why it is there.

 

If you change doctors of the same specialty it is safest for you to stay with just one.  Bouncing between two without clearly communicating what each does can create an unsafe situation for you and increase your costs as things can be done in duplicate.  Hopefully your insurance company will pay for all the visits and not tag them as duplicate depending on what kind of payment policies they have.

 

I understand you went back to the Dr 1 because of the lower lab costs, but if you don't trust a doctor and they completely rub you the wrong way, fire them and do not go back.  Also, when lab costs are involved, typically you can find out what the preferred laboratory is for your insurance company and use them.  If the tests were more because they are running different or more thorough tests, perhaps you should get the more thorough ones done.

 

Now, you may still be able to see Doctor 2.  I would call up and ask for the same person that called you, and just tell them you are sorry, you were just trying to get the lowest cost for things, but if it is okay can you terminate your relationship with Doctor 1 and only see Doctor 2?  If you do this nicely they may take you back as a patient.

C-Girl Contributor
C-Girl
Posted
  • Author

A lot of doctors have problems with patients seeking medical care elsewhere and not telling them, and for continuity of care reasons I can understand why doctor number 2 discontinued the patient relationship.  It doesn't have to have anything to do with drug seeking behavior (of course if that is present it complicates things) but if they can't keep track of what testing and treatments their patient is getting, they can't safely treat the patient, which can lead to ethical and liability issues.  Now their policy is strict, but I understand why it is there.

 

If you change doctors of the same specialty it is safest for you to stay with just one.  Bouncing between two without clearly communicating what each does can create an unsafe situation for you and increase your costs as things can be done in duplicate.  Hopefully your insurance company will pay for all the visits and not tag them as duplicate depending on what kind of payment policies they have.

 

I understand you went back to the Dr 1 because of the lower lab costs, but if you don't trust a doctor and they completely rub you the wrong way, fire them and do not go back.  Also, when lab costs are involved, typically you can find out what the preferred laboratory is for your insurance company and use them.  If the tests were more because they are running different or more thorough tests, perhaps you should get the more thorough ones done.

 

Now, you may still be able to see Doctor 2.  I would call up and ask for the same person that called you, and just tell them you are sorry, you were just trying to get the lowest cost for things, but if it is okay can you terminate your relationship with Doctor 1 and only see Doctor 2?  If you do this nicely they may take you back as a patient.

I had my records sent from dr 1 to dr2. He basically said he had nothing to offer that dr1 didn't, without having the courtesy to see me in person.

I wouldn't want to see him now, even if he would. I shouldn't have to apologize for my choices and am highly offended that you suggest I should apologize to doctor 2. Why? He should be apologizing to me. Why don't I have the right to try and save upwards of $900?

HavaneseMom Explorer
HavaneseMom
Posted

Hi Coffngrl,

I'm sorry to hear you had another bad experience with a doctor. He is obviously not the right match for you and I hope you will be able to find one that you like soon. I found this older thread that had recommendations for doctors in NC. There are a few mentioned, but I don't know if any of them are near you.

https://www.celiac.com/forums/topic/13214-north-carolina-doctor-looking-for-one/

Good luck and I hope you find the right doctor soon.

Gemini Experienced
Gemini
Posted

I had my records sent from dr 1 to dr2. He basically said he had nothing to offer that dr1 didn't, without having the courtesy to see me in person.

I wouldn't want to see him now, even if he would. I shouldn't have to apologize for my choices and am highly offended that you suggest I should apologize to doctor 2. Why? He should be apologizing to me. Why don't I have the right to try and save upwards of $900?

You did nothing wrong. You have the same problem I did 25 years ago.........too many jerky docs who aren't helping you. You do not need any reason to switch doctors, other than trying to find the best person to help you with a diagnosis of for help with on going problems. Doctors are there to help and if they aren't, then you fire them and move on. I am sorry you have gone through this.......I know what that is like and it's discouraging to know this is still is going on 25 years later. Keep looking because there may be one that will be a perfect fit.

anti-soprano Apprentice
anti-soprano
Posted

I drive 90 minutes into a major metro area to see my GI doc.  The doctors I saw in my town were idiots and missed the dx- even with an endo and blood tests looking for OTHER autoimmune diseases.  Gahhh.

 

Sorry you're having trouble.  Since I don't go to the GI often, I don't mind going to an absolutely thorough professional who I have to make a special trip for.  It's so very worth it to me. Hope you find a solution that makes you weep for joy!

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