Happy to elaborate.
1) Kaiser does all the tests: CTs, sputums, genetic etc. I communicate with Dr. Zha, a NP on the team, the pharmacist, possibly RT (haven’t gotten to him yet). Basically I just set up appts and tell my pulmonologist at Kaiser if I need a new referral or not. I am concerned about sputums as Kaiser SR does not automatically do susceptibility testing. And, I seem to have to prompt my pulmonologist to call it in. If any treatment is planned, we must know what’s going to work.
2) I’ve got BE, MAC/NTM, & colonized pseudomonas aerunginosa. I had a bilobectomy 5/3/23, RML & RLL.
3) Any prescription or specialty referral is at Kaiser. I’ve had Dr. Zha prescribe 2 different inhalers & an antibiotic. Kaiser filled them. My pulmonologist just followed her order.
4) RT is in the works. Kaiser has a pulmonary rehab program in Novato I’ve never used. RT at Kaiser SR is responsive but not a subspecialist in BE/NTM.
5) Sorry for the misunderstanding. If I have a question, I often message both pulmonologists, UCSF & Kaiser. Sometimes just UCSF if Dr. Zha is leading the treatment plan. For instance, I was treated with Azith/Etham/Rifampin for MAC 9/23-12/24. I cleared 1/24 and remained clear until 11/24 & again 1/25. I stopped all 3 and will be starting Azith/Etham/Amikacin per Dr Zha dosaging and plan.
I’ve only been talking telemedicine with Dr Zha about this. See kaiser pulmonologist in a week or so to bring him on board.
6) It’s tricky. Trying to keep both pulmonologists aware of plan & clear they are both treating me. Not an ideal setup for sure.