Your Tips on How to Get Off to the Best Start with a New Specialist

@gingerw, Unfortunately, your husband's rude awakening sounds very like my most recent visit with my nephrologist who insists on using a specifc lab for tests and not allowing me lab results until following her visit.

When I told her at my last visit what had occurred at the lab...no temp taken, no sanitary wipes provided, no anti-bacterial soap, and the biggest alarm: no mask worn until tech finally sat to draw blood, she replied: "That was unfortunate." Unfortunate? I should have reported the lab same day to the local health dept!

When asked if she would order next labs at the hospital/clinic all other labs are done, she responded: "We have a special arrangement with this lab and I prefer it". Really???? Hard to believe but True! Third chance for her to provide some guidance; three strikes, she's out and waiting for referral to new neph!

@fiesty76 .... I just wrote and deleted (as way too long) a response re labs. Most of which are A1. I have noticed a change and not for the better now staff are busy with extra visits cos of Covid etc. Last UTI I went to walk-in clinic, see nurse, then Dr. on screen..... tiny washroom that you could barely move in; no toilet paper (noticed too late) and no paper towels. Floors were not that clean.... even the small office where you discuss medical problem was not clean and floor needed a sweep and a wash, under the rads, the legs on the furniture were dirty etc. Another lab I went to, again, tiny for the number of people using it, not clean and could see the rings of dry and wet urine left by people sitting their sample on small bit of counter around the sink.. Considering antibiotics are given if there are germs in the urine, I would say that there are plenty of germs already in the room! The washrooms are NOT being wiped out between uses by patients and how could they be by the staff that are so busy? My answer is: I obtained some new sealed urine sample bottles myself. The day of the visit to the "lab" or docctor: I wash at home and do my own sample... take it right away to the lab, go into the unclean washroom, sterilize my hands with my own lotion, and pour my sample into their container! At least I know it is a "clean catch" Nothing illegal about it, not testing for drugs etc.
Perhaps if you put your concerns in writing to the doctor and ask for a written response, she might be put on the spot to actually put her remarks in writing? Could you also/or send a letter to the Lab itself or its head office.... we have enough stress to deal with without this type of thing which has an easy fix: Is it asking too much to want to visit a medical office that is clean etc? J.(Ontario)

@fiesty76 How fortunate you found a pharmacist that cares for the patients they serve. That is always good! Who is referring you to a new nephrologist?

@fiesty76 .... I just wrote and deleted (as way too long) a response re labs. Most of which are A1. I have noticed a change and not for the better now staff are busy with extra visits cos of Covid etc. Last UTI I went to walk-in clinic, see nurse, then Dr. on screen..... tiny washroom that you could barely move in; no toilet paper (noticed too late) and no paper towels. Floors were not that clean.... even the small office where you discuss medical problem was not clean and floor needed a sweep and a wash, under the rads, the legs on the furniture were dirty etc. Another lab I went to, again, tiny for the number of people using it, not clean and could see the rings of dry and wet urine left by people sitting their sample on small bit of counter around the sink.. Considering antibiotics are given if there are germs in the urine, I would say that there are plenty of germs already in the room! The washrooms are NOT being wiped out between uses by patients and how could they be by the staff that are so busy? My answer is: I obtained some new sealed urine sample bottles myself. The day of the visit to the "lab" or docctor: I wash at home and do my own sample... take it right away to the lab, go into the unclean washroom, sterilize my hands with my own lotion, and pour my sample into their container! At least I know it is a "clean catch" Nothing illegal about it, not testing for drugs etc.
Perhaps if you put your concerns in writing to the doctor and ask for a written response, she might be put on the spot to actually put her remarks in writing? Could you also/or send a letter to the Lab itself or its head office.... we have enough stress to deal with without this type of thing which has an easy fix: Is it asking too much to want to visit a medical office that is clean etc? J.(Ontario)

@fiesty76 That lab is terrible, it should be reported. I had an unfortunate experience with a tech when I had an ultrasound. When the doctor wanted me to go for another ultrasound I told her I would not go back to that department at the hospital that she is affiliated with due to the experience. She was shocked at my experience and referred me to the department at the other hospital in town, so I am sure that hit home, that I would not go to her hospital's own department. I am quite sure she must have called and reported my experience.
JK

@lacy2 I have to do urine samples at times and I go to the lab ahead of time, or get a container when I happen to be at the lab, and then use it at home. It's so much easier than having to get a specimen there. I always have one of their containers here, for when I might need to use it.
JK

@ginger, I do much the same but not as detailed as you in what you take with you to visits.

Cannot agree more that a good and trusted pharmacist is worth his/her weight in gold! Not only are they alert to some interactions of meds and are a ready source for med questions, one called me a few yrs ago after noting that I'd changed high b.p. meds wanting to know how I was doing with the new and higher dosed med. So surprised and touched, I nearly dropped the phone! I was experiencing some adverse reactions to the new drug but if he hadn't called, I would have probably tried to "tough it out" without calling my cardio.

@contentandwell, I also have to do reg. urine tests and appreciate your tip of asking for the test sample vials ahead of time or at the time of the lab visit. So much more convenient and also easier to ensure that at home, the patient won't be concerned about enough output. I know it doesn't take much urine but feel a bit anxious about being able to carry out the test successfully sometimes in the lab and thus drink more water than usual leading up to the scheduled test.

@fiesty76 That lab is terrible, it should be reported. I had an unfortunate experience with a tech when I had an ultrasound. When the doctor wanted me to go for another ultrasound I told her I would not go back to that department at the hospital that she is affiliated with due to the experience. She was shocked at my experience and referred me to the department at the other hospital in town, so I am sure that hit home, that I would not go to her hospital's own department. I am quite sure she must have called and reported my experience.
JK

Don't be at all SURE your doctor will call anyone... her incentives $$$ are provided by her hospital. Plus doctors like police have a Wall of Silence. If you do want to make sure that your experiences MIGHT be heard, then write to your insurance company, report negligence. And also write to your state's medical board and "complain" about the doctor -- who's NOT going to put HER connections ($$$) on the line for YOU.