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Shunted(?) to the Team Nurse - Is this common practice?

Posted by joecontheroad @joecontheroad, Nov 4, 2023

After my regular 3-month visit with my MO for review of lab work and 3-month shot of leuprolide (not at Mayo, btw), as I checked out I found that I had unexpectedly been scheduled for the next 3-month visit with the MO's nurse rather than with the MO. Is this common practice: I'm feeling... offended, I guess, at least for not having been consulted?

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joecontheroad | @joecontheroad | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @harvey44 "A nurse always draws my blood and the follow up to that is initially with a..." + (show)
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A nurse always draws my blood and the follow up to that is initially with a nurse followed by my oncologist.

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So, harvey44, you're always seen by your oncologist, then, not only a nurse.

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joecontheroad | @joecontheroad | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @grandpun "I think you should be in good shape with that kind of health team contact. At..." + (show)
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I think you should be in good shape with that kind of health team contact. At least in the short run. If any concerns show up then the MD should be involved, or course.
My experience is, I think, exceptional. My PC was not so large but aggressive and escaped the capsule. One small spot showed up on a rib in an early scan.
My RARP followed by ADT using Lupron every 3 months is getting close to finishing a 24-month cycle.
This is all pretty standard but my MD in incredibly caring, thoughtful, patient, and thorough in our meetings. Even though mine is probably a very standard progression which he's repeated many times. He treats me like this is his first time as well.
Now, I usually see the NP first. She is most approachable and thorough as well. Then the Doc comes in and pretty much reviews everything and asks and probes for questions. Finally the nurse gives me the shot/s and I'm off and running.
I think I'm getting exceptional treatment so you gave me a chance to brag and maybe encourage you to engage your care team a bit more assertively if you do feel 'shunted'. My vote is to always feel like you're their only patient or at least very valued.
All the best for your successful battle against a nasty disease to get great quality of life.
bob

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So, Bob, you're always seen by your *doctor*, not just a nurse.

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grandpun | @grandpun | Nov 17, 2023

The oncologist, yes, he sees me after I've seen the PA. However, my opinion of him is extremely high (that's the short version of my long-ish story) as he is uncommonly personable, patient, and thorough.
Other specialists: it's sometimes the Nurse or, more likely, a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner.

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harvey44 | @harvey44 | Nov 17, 2023
In reply to @joecontheroad "So, harvey44, you're always seen by your oncologist, then, not only a nurse." + (show)
Profile picture for joecontheroad @joecontheroad

So, harvey44, you're always seen by your oncologist, then, not only a nurse.

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Yes...my first contact is with a nurse or PA and I am always seen by my oncologist. We discuss my test results and what any future plans might be if my PSA continues to rise.

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