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

@lacy2
Hi, Lacy. We're all potentially in the same spot regarding records. Years ago, I began documenting everything chronologically: date, doctor or facility, tests with any unusual results, medication/s prescribed, physician instructions; and making sure that I had a copy of the test results. Yes, it's a pain, but it has served me well as doctors retire and my memory fades on various events... and the physicians really appreciate it.

@lacy2 Like you, in the last 5 years I have had different providers and doctors, and moved twice to new areas. I had the information, but needed to centralize it all. It took time, but then I was able to give a big sigh of relief, knowing things were in order. And now, it doesn't take too much effort to keep it correct. I don't know Excel very well, and was ready to handwrite things down in columns. My husband convinced me otherwise. You might have a friend or relative who can help you?
Ginger

@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.

@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 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 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

@amandaburnett, Yes! New scripts are sent to my nearby Walgreens when short term or new ones are prescribed. I have no idea what prompted this particular pharmacist to have noticed the recent b.p. med change and was so stunned by his phone call, I didn't have the wits to ask! lol

I've asked my family practice, pcp, doc for a her personal recommendation/referral to a nephrologist who uses our hospital/clinic and labs. She promised to look into one and I'll be asking at our in-patient visit in early Feb. I am so hopeful that a different nephrologist will provide more help and guidance. Thank you for asking!

@lacy2, Thank you for responding and for sharing your recent totally unacceptable lab experiences. I just managed to delete a more lengthy response ... dang! So glad you could and did obtain new sealed urine sample bottles to use at home and upset that it was even needed along with the personal hygiene aids you provided for yourself at the lab to better ensure a more hygiene for the urine labs.

Once I've found a much better nephrologist and lab, I'd considered what you suggested and may well follow through with letters to both that neph and lab with copies to our local health dept. I also intend to write a patient review of each at the http://www.healthgrade.com site.

While all public health entities and private medical/lab practices are working beyond reasonable limits during this surge of pandemic, it is more important than ever that patients can be safe in clean facilities when seeking required in-person help for chronic conditions.

@contentandwell, So glad that your doc was shocked and very impressed that she followed up with a referral to a hospital she was not affiliated with. We have two large hospitals here and they are generally pretty territorial so your doc's action went far beyond what I'd expect in my locale. Kudos to you, JK, for reporting to her your unfortunate experience and hugs to her for putting the welfare of her patient first! Heartening news indeed!