posted
I have always been very reluctant to call physicians between visits. I prefer to make an appointment and go see them. However, since we travel 2 hours to see our LLMD, this is not an option. (Besides, there are no same day appointments available!)
So the phone is the only option. I'm curious: how many of you find yourselves feeling the need to call the doc between visits? How often do you wind up doing this? How are you received?
Thank you! Susie
Posts: 234 | From albany, ny | Registered: Mar 2011
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posted
Ours has been terrific, even gave cell phone number for emergencies. I probably call 1-2 times in between appts. Only needed to call cell on one occasion.
Sometimes just simple questions like dosages/timing of meds. Haven't been charged for phone calls. Nice to know I can call if needed since appts are a couple months apart and we travel a distance.
Posts: 312 | From Utah | Registered: Nov 2010
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posted
I try to hold off speaking with them until my next appointment but some times it is necessary to get answers sooner.
I often fax my llmd with the question and that way they know what I want to discuss. Sometimes I get the fax back with a written answer but usually its a phone call later that day. Email might be an option as well.
It probably will be well received if you only do this once in a while.
-------------------- unsure445 Posts: 824 | From northeast | Registered: Jun 2008
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
I only call in between appts if absolutely necessary (emergency type situations).
If the nurse called and left a vague message on my voicemail then I will have to call them back for clarification and more information. That is a very rare occurrence.
Most problems and questions can wait to be addressed at my next month's appt. Even if I'd rather not wait, I will wait. It is only a couple weeks.
Our doctors are so busy. I don't want to add burden to their workload. I make a list of my questions so that I'm sure to ask all that I need during my appt. That is easier for my doctor.
Oh, I think that my doctor's office may also have a policy to charge for phone calls depending on the length of the call, the time required for the practitioner to review your chart and the time required to research whatever might be needed to answer your question. I think that this is only fair.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
mine encourages that we email with any questions or concerns, it usually takes them a few days to get back. I try not to bother them unless Im having some kind of reaction or new important symptom.
-------------------- Psalm 119:50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Posts: 292 | From Heaven | Registered: Jan 2011
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- It varies doctor to doctor.
Call the office manager during a less busy time and ask about their policy for phone questions &/or for email inquiries. -
[ 01-20-2012, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Dogsandcats
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 28544
posted
I fax my questions and the nurse runs it by the doc. I usually hear back within 24 hours.
They do charge for phone calls.
-------------------- God will prepare everything for our perfect happiness in heaven, and if it takes my dog being there, I believe he'll be there.
Billy Graham Posts: 1967 | From California | Registered: Oct 2010
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posted
I try not to call unless it is super important, but with office visits every four months, questions do come up. If it an easy thing, no charge from doc. If it is more complicated-we get charged for phone call.
Posts: 55 | From Missouri | Registered: Sep 2011
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jackie51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 14233
posted
I only call when I absolutely have to. The nurse prioritizes all her calls and she calls back when she can.
If calls get too numerous, then, yes, you do pay.
Posts: 1374 | From Crazy Town | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
my dr calls me every 5 days or so to see how im doing-didnt realize that was so rare. guess im lucky!
Posts: 651 | From ct | Registered: Sep 2011
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I fly to see my doctor so I have scheduled phone appointments with his PA or ND between office visits. They charge for the phone consults but are very good about taking care of all concerns. This works well for me because the alternative is getting on a plane which is quite expensive.
In between office visits and phone consults I fax their office if something comes up that needs attention. I try not to do it very often. They get back to me in a reasonable amount of time and don't charge for a response.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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posted
I agree with Keebler -- varies a lot between docs. Some charge and some do not. Depends on if the doc returns the call or if a nurse does sometimes.
As a rule the more efficient the office is run the more likely there is some stated policy regarding charges and how quickly to expect a response.
I do find it helpful to send a fax with questions rather than just calling. More time efficient and more likely to be correctly handled if the info is faxed and the nurse or receptionist does not have to write everything down. Usually follow the fax or email with a call saying that I sent something to make sure they got it.
Sometimes hubby goes for months or even a year or more and does not need to call -- other times we have had to make calls every couple of weeks.
If you have a med reaction or need a scrip then those are obvious reasons to call and the docs are used to those type of calls.
If it is just a symptom change then a lot depends on the doc as to whether a call will be helpful or not.
The longer you have been in treatment or with a particular doc the easier it gets to know what is worth calling about.
But don't be afraid to call.
Some docs will make meds changes in between appointments and others will not. That is actually one of the things I always try to find out from any new doc. Especially if you are out of state you need to know if all prescription changes require an in person office visit.
We learned this the hard way years ago and actually had to change LLMD's because hubby had an allergic reaction to a med and it was just too expensive to make extra trips to the doc plus waiting for a month or two with no treatment.
Bea Seibert
Posts: 7306 | From Martinsville,VA,USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I have emailed between visits, and I agree with Bea Seibert that writing down your thoughts/questions can be essential. It is too difficult to rely on the middle person to translate.
I have only emailed when I have a significant reaction to a medication or a profound symptom change. Otherwise, I find that I come here to see if I can find an answer, and usually I can.
My LLMD charges for emails and calls. However, in the beginning when I had more questions, I gladly paid.
Posts: 447 | From Vermont | Registered: Jan 2011
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posted
I email my LLMD and it is considered part of what goes with seeing her for office visits. She gets back to me quickly and also on nights and weekends.
-------------------- Faithful
Just sharing my experience, I am not a doctor. Posts: 2682 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2009
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Susie,
Glad to hear that. Helpful and gracious is always nice.
You might also ask if there are articles or books your LLMD would recommend that could answer some of the questions you may have -
- or in other ways prepare you for what to expect along the way - or how to best take care of yourself during this time. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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ktkdommer
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 29020
posted
My doctor and staff have been amazing. My son was really sick for a long time, so there was plenty of communication between visits. The doc has emailed me while on vacation. I have his cell but only used it once with a PICC line emergency.
Sometimes when I call the nurse, he is there and I can hear him answering my questions that she relays.
I feel very fortunate! My sister gets charged for insurance business that is above and beyond normal and for phone calls.
-------------------- Things are never dull. After 3 fighting Lyme, 2 are in remission. Youngest is still sick, age 22. He has new diagnosed Chiari Malformation and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Posts: 1366 | From Perrysburg, Ohio | Registered: Nov 2010
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