Worried about keeping an upcoming CKD lab and nephrologist appointment

Posted by fiesty76 @fiesty76, Jul 13, 2020

My last lab and nephrologist appt was in Sept. With stage 3a ckd diagnosis, I was concerned that the next visit was scheduled 6 mos later and am
becoming increasingly worried about keeping an August appointment. I postponed an earlier "phone" consult because of worry about "walkins" at the lab the neph. uses exclusively.

With the exception of the nephrologist and opthamologist, all other physicians I see are connected to our large hospital and all labs and tests are administered through that system. The nephrologist, although referred through the referral service used by my pcp, uses an independent lab, Quest Diagnostics. My two visits there, before the Covid outbreak, found the lab crowded; I was told their online results might take up to 6 weeks and that the doc could provide a copy much faster. Welll, yes... Quest is a huge organization which has been very involved in Covid testing.

The 20 minute wait for an earlier phone inquiry about special precautions being taken now was so long, I finally hung up before the lab receptionist came on the line.

I can ask my pcp for another nephrologist referral specifically for one who uses the hospital complex but that will further delay specific lab results for the kidney. I can "take my chances" at Quest and see the current neph. and then make a request for a new neph. referral. I'm just writing my thoughts here. Wish I'd thought to ask pcp for a referral earlier but I didn't hoping that by August, the virus spread had lessened. Now, my state is one of the three "hotspots" for Covid spread and hospitalizations/capita.

Would appreciate thoughts from others here. I know we aren't docs but we know the importance of tracking ckd lab values. Upset with myself for being in this predicament but unsure which option to choose. Any other suggestions or opinions? Thank you.

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jul 14, 2020

In reply to @lioness "@fiesty76 Im going to new Dentist today if they don't have mask on I won't stay..." + (show)

@lioness, Linda let us know how your visit with the new dentist goes. I'm with you; not staying if staff anywhere aren't wearing masks!

lioness | @lioness | Jul 14, 2020

@fiesty76 Couldn't get pass front person After I gave her my ins and d.l she gave me , of course ,paper to fill out I waited and waited went up to her and couldn't believe it she had to call Humana to verify the information finally it was getting late so I left with another appt on Thurs. with my paper work to bring back Did you ever hear of such a thing?

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jul 15, 2020

@lioness, As though there wasn't a bit of anxiety beforehand about a first visit to a new dentist! I am so sorry about the bureaucratic paperwork and ins. verification, not to mention the incredibly long wait. Arrrrgh!!! Kudos to You for rescheduling!!!

Luckily for me, the last few new doc appts had their offices send me the paperwork to fill out ahead of time.

However, my decades long opthomalogist retired recently and I picked up a copy of my patient file from his office. I made an in-person appt with the new doc and was given the "new patient book" to fill out at home. Taking both my history file and new paperwork with me for the 1st appt. I was steamed because I had to wait over two hours for a 9 am appt and then "seen" by a new "assistant" who actually performed the eye test.

Neither she nor the doc even looked at either the history or new patient data. The doc didn't even look in my eyes and spent less than 10 minutes in the room with me before instructing me to make "next yr's appt" at the front desk. Hope he's not holding his breath or looking forward for a glance at me next year!

Can you count these two visits as your weekly walk??? Let us know how it goes tomorrow.

lioness | @lioness | Jul 15, 2020

In reply to @fiesty76 "@lioness, As though there wasn't a bit of anxiety beforehand about a first visit to a..." + (show)

@fiestu76 I will so frustrating new way of doing things I guess

veteran1950 | @veteran1950 | Jul 16, 2020

I use Quest and have used that lab for many, many years. My last visit was April, 2020. and experienced limited number of people allowed in the waiting room, distance requirements were observed and everyone was required to wear a mask including the phlebotomist. I would think all Quest labs have similar operating conditions. I hope what I just stated allows you to complete your lab testing without fear and anxiety.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 16, 2020

In reply to @veteran1950 "I use Quest and have used that lab for many, many years. My last visit was..." + (show)

@veteran1950 I have to go to Quest tomorrow morning, and anticipate their protocol will be at least as strict as last time I went, which is as you described. Our closest location is still 20 miles away after we reach the interstate, and appears to most people to be an afterthought, it is so tiny. An extra supply closet size, attached to a medical clinic/urgent care. Three waiting chairs, one phlebotomist.
Ginger

veteran1950 | @veteran1950 | Jul 16, 2020

I hope you made an appointment in advance. I do not have to travel as far as you do, however, there are many people who come to this lab. It has been my experience over many years that making an appointment on line I am called within a minute or so of my scheduled time.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jul 16, 2020

In reply to @veteran1950 "I hope you made an appointment in advance. I do not have to travel as far..." + (show)

@veteran1950 Yes, appointment made for being first one of the day. That said, they take walk-ins. So. If someone signs in before me, they go first. That happened last time, and I complained. Not sure what the purpose of an appt is, when they pull that! Tomorrow I'll be there early.
Ginger

veteran1950 | @veteran1950 | Jul 16, 2020

That is not the way it is supposed to work, appointments have priority. I have always been called within two to three minutes of my scheduled appointment.
Suggest you call/email corporate and complain.

fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jul 16, 2020

@veteran1950, Thank you for your encouraging response. Yes, I will call ahead but am encouraged by what you report and I do need to have a kidney checkup so appreciate your post.