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» LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Seeking a Doctor » What to do about my doctor?

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Author Topic: What to do about my doctor?
Pearl78
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Member # 38464

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Okay, so I waited 6 weeks for an appointment with a highly recc. Lyme doctor. Then I arrived slightly early with my paperwork completed beforehand. Dr. G makes me wait 45 minutes. Then after a brief consultation, I am dismissed after about 20 minutes of face time with the doctor. Paid almost $500 for this, plus lost a days pay.

I am told by the doctor that I will get a call from the doctor in 10 days.... Eleven business days go by and I decide to touch base with the office. Because I realize doctors are people too, stuff comes up in their lives.

Well the receptionist calls back, but doesn't leave a message. So telephone games begin. Finally, I am told the doctor wanted to see X-rays of my knees before talking with me. This doctor never indicated that phone contact would be after seeing X-rays.

During this time I am still in PAIN... still working, limping. And I haven't talked to the doctor, don't know my lab results. I had no problem with repeating blood work for the third doctor that I have consulted about my Lyme. It has been 17 days since I saw the doctor.

'Cause I just want to get better... enjoy my life instead of enduring it.

So now I have another lab bill to pay out of pocket....with nothing to show for it. Oh, I contacted the lab, they said my doctor was faxed the results two days after the blood was drawn.

Between the doctor visit, lost wages, a lab bill, I am out $1,300+ dollars AND nothing to show for it. Truly I am disheartened.... The doctor's phone service doesn't accept messages from patients. They only work M-Th.

What do I do now? Send a fax message requesting a phone call? I want to just scream! More wasted time and more money wasted that I had to work hard for. And still I feel horrible and I am in pain.

Any ideas?

[ 09-21-2012, 11:33 PM: Message edited by: Pearl78 ]

Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Robin123
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I am a little mixed up from reading this. Did you see the doctor for a Lyme disease consult or something more specific?

If you went for a specific complaint, I can understand them wanting some more info. If for a general Lyme appt, usually Lyme doctors take more time with patients on an initial visit, gathering info.

How could they charge you $500 for 20 minutes? That's a rip-off right there. That would come to $1500/hour. Ha.

Did you and the doctor discuss how follow-up was to happen - ie, a 2nd appt? Or what? Usually this kind of arrangement is made between doctor and patient at a visit.

If the doctor is giving you no info about follow-up, then I would say you've been wronged by this doctor and should go elsewhere to someone who respects you as the person and patient you are.

And if they've really ripped you off, am wondering if you could take them to court for it, and teach them a lesson.

Posts: 13131 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
dbpei
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It sounds like you were totally ripped off to me. Was this doctor ILADS trained? If so, they need to hear from you about the bad experience you have had with this doctor. Typically, your first lyme visit is much longer than 20 minutes and the communication is much better than you are describing.

So sorry to hear about all of this. See if you can find a local lyme support group and get some good leads on the best lyme doctors in your area. Good luck to you!

Posts: 2386 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Lymetoo
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So you don't know if you have Lyme, or not?? You had several people tell you this DR was highly recommended??

Check here and contact one of the support groups. They would have the scoop on who is good and who is not. And perhaps they can help you with this Dr if they are familiar with the person.

http://www.lymenet.org/SupportGroups/UnitedStates/NewJersey/

--

Yes, try the FAX!! (explain why you are dissatisfied too!)

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96237 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
Pearl78
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I went to this doctor for Lyme, which I know I have. A few people had recc. this doctor. Dr. G is a rheumatologist and is involved with ILADs. She is one of their speakers. One of my chief complaints is painful, swollen knees.

It was 445 for the appt. which included blood being drawn. The only follow-up was the doctor emphatically told me "she would call in 10 days". No mention to me that the X-rays of the knees were to be there before she called.

I figured I would bring them to my next visit. My bad, I guess I should have asked about "when" she wanted them. I wasn't feeling so good that day. I was getting over Shingles on the side of my head. It was a birthday present my body gave me!

I don't want to take her to court...rather I just want to be treated for my Lyme. Get back to functioning as a busy mom.

So my choices are for the issue, sending her a fax detailing the situation as I see it and/or consult another doctor. Which means waiting to see another doctor....while I am in pain. And another huge upfront initial consult fee...again. With no guarantee that I will get tx.

I had originally saw another doctor, who I realized after 9 months was doing me no good, had no game plan for treating me. Then I saw an ID doctor who doubted my symptoms, retested me and then doubted his own labs. So I haven't had antibiotics in 9 months.

In the middle of trying to see other doctors, I had to have major surgery, my dad was diagnosed with Alzhiemers and my daughter had my first grandchild. And my husband was out of work over 4 months.

Hence the my freaking out for wasting hard earned money on doctors who are not treating me.

Several kind hearted souls on this forum sent me names of their doctors...some of those doctors are not taking new patients.

Posts: 11 | From NJ | Registered: Aug 2012  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
TF
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
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I am sending you a name of a great doc who is taking new patients. Plus, I am sending you a lot of information.

So sorry about what happened to you. You have a lot to learn about the lyme controversy. Then, you will better understand what happened to you.

A Boston TV station did a show on the lyme disease controversy a few years ago. Here is Part 1 of the Boston Chronicle video on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVPRWiukp_M

I suggest you watch this video a few times. I believe the program is in 2 parts. It explains the lyme disease controversy and the role the IDSA plays in making it difficult for a person to get good lyme treatment.

Posts: 9931 | From Maryland | Registered: Dec 2007  |  IP: Logged | Report this post to a Moderator
   

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