Like a lot of people here, I have a tricky case (I've been on antibiotics for 2 years, including one year of IV, with NO positive or negative effect). I'm Canadian and have been seeing Dr. M in upstate NY but she suggested I see Dr. H in NY because we are not getting anywhere with Lyme treatment.
Obviously since he recently wrote a popular book there's a long waiting list... but I put my name on it in February of this year, and was told in June that I would hear in "4-6 weeks" about when my appt would be. It's now October and the office hasn't emailed me since June, and isn't replying to my inquiries via email. 4-6 weeks has definitely passed!
So I'm wondering if anyone else is waiting to get in to see him, or if they were in the recent batch of patients and have received an appt. Is anyone else in the same boat? Or have you heard about an upcoming appt?
Thanks!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Call first, then I would write them a letter, perhaps?? Document when you have called and when you have emailed.
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
This was written in another post back on Sept. 22, 2014:
"Also, I have heard that the office has stopped giving appointments with Dr. H. His office has been closed to new patients for about 11 months now.
A few months back, someone said the wait to see him was one year or that 300 people were on the wait list. Maybe they were exaggerating.
However, people on the wait list are now being offered appointments with the new doctors that Dr. H has brought into his practice.
I know the 2 staff that Dr. H has had for years are both good. But, I have also heard that you can't get appointments with either of them right now either.
Maybe you can contact the office for the latest info. or check his webpage."
Don't let this discourage you - KEEP TRYING!!
Posted by reflectlight (Member # 35646) on :
Thanks for the replies! I would call but they specifically wrote in their last e-mail that they will not respond to any inquiries about the waiting list over the phone. It's really frustrating! Their last e-mail (from June) did say that he is accepting new patients in early 2015, so I'm hoping that that is still true. Even if I have to see one of his new doctors, at least they would probably consult with him. I've e-mailed again, so I'll see if they reply this time.
Posted by kah419 (Member # 31572) on :
I've been on the waiting list for Dr. H since May, at which time I was told they possibly could be seeing new patients by December/January.
I received an email similar to yours that said I would hear within 6 weeks of receiving my completed questionnaire with a status of where I stand on the wait list.
When I didn't hear back in 6 weeks I called and was told that whoever sent that email should not be sending those to potential patients to promise feedback because there is absolutely no way for their staff to give a particular patient a time frame.
My last phone contact with their office was on 10/6/14 when I was told there is currently 250 patients on the wait list and they "triage it out" so regardless of how long ago I requested to be on the list, they evaluate a number of factors in determining who actually is called first when a spot opens up--not necessarily first come first serve.
Which is not the way it was originally explained to me when I first called in May. She said that at the current time, it could be anywhere from 2 months to a year from now to get in.
Posted by reflectlight (Member # 35646) on :
Wow, so that e-mail didn't mean anything then! Good to know... His staff must be as bad as his ratemds.com reviews say. I guess we are both in the same boat and can only wait. I am working with some other practitioners in the meantime but was really hoping to see him because no one else has been able to make a dent in my symptoms. I hope you get an appt soon!
Posted by kah419 (Member # 31572) on :
It might still be worth it for you to give them a call? Maybe something has changed since I've spoken to them. And it's possible they might ask you about your specific situation and you could be told something different than I was. So you still could be one of the ones who gets an appt soon!
I wasn't going to call at first either because of what the email said, but then I realized I needed to know where I stood one way or another so I could make an informed decision on continuing to wait vs. moving forward.
I was very disappointed with what I was told, but glad I called. I asked what specific criteria is used to "triage it out" and was told "a number of factors" but she wouldn't tell me what those are.
So I asked if it mattered how the questionnaire was answered (yes somewhat), whether or not a doctor to doctor referral was included even though there is no insurance taken--I had one but hadn't sent it in (doesn't really matter).
She did agree to check their computer system to verify my information had been received since I never received an email confirmation.
If you do decide to call and have to leave a voicemail but don't hear back, keep trying back the next day or two until you get someone to answer. They do pick up the new patient request line throughout the day at times. Following up with a letter like someone suggested is a great idea I think.
Good luck and I hope you are able to get an appt soon!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
While you are waiting, clean up your diet, treat possible candida, etc. Get your body in A-one shape! Posted by hammer (Member # 17201) on :
Being a difficult case, I'm not sure I would agree to see the new PA. Just saw her last week. Very nice, but not where I need her to be. I've been a patient for over two years and that was a very disappointing appointment. There is a new physician also, but I have no feedback on her yet.
Posted by jlcd1 (Member # 18138) on :
Oh man yeah im in the same boat. I emailed them on august 1396the and they told me 4-6 weeks as well. Guess ill be waiting a while.
Posted by kimp (Member # 19339) on :
One of the long-time PA's left this summer; went to a Family practice.
Talked to new PA for a phone consult and she did consult with Dr H before finalizing treatment plan.
Posted by reflectlight (Member # 35646) on :
I still haven't herd anything from their office... not even an offer to see the PA, so their waiting list must be insanely long by now!
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