posted
We are considering switching to Dr. H in Hyde Park, NY. Apparently he is taking new patients through a new P.A. they recently hired named Jeana C.
Has anyone seen her or does anyone have any feedback on her?
posted
I was put on their waiting list. They called me back, but I started seeing another doctor. Now I am wondering if I should have accepted the appointment.
Posts: 743 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2009
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tickbattler
Unregistered
posted
Yes, the receptionist I was speaking with was not very friendly either. Seemed rushed and annoyed I was asking too many questions...
Hopefully this is not an indication of how the doctor/P.A.'s are!
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
He has a tremendous patient load, so their office is always very busy. Not that it excuses their behavior, but that's how it is.
I would take the appt. Once you get in, you will be able to get appts. with Dr. H and you will most likely see Dr. H for part of your initial appt. He is definitely not hurting for business!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I see Dr. H also. My first appt. was with the PA and he is really great.
I will say that the office staff is not too friendly but the nurses are very good.
I was just there a few weeks ago and the PA said they are taking new patients.
Alot of the time Dr. H isn't there so if you don't have an appt. with him then you take a chance of him not going over treatment changes.
The last few times I have been out there he was not in the office. Even if you are an established patient and want to see Dr. H from time to time there is a 2-3 month wait.
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Why is this in medical questions?
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Honestly, i've been somewhat torn in my experiences with Dr.H and staff.
Yes it takes a very long time to get in to be seen. Even if you see the PA or NP you must schedule appts at least 1 mo ahead of time. The practitioners are always rushed and it shows. I have a hard time getting them to stop and listen.
If you have a problem, the office is very hard to get a hold of. I have tried to call during office hours only to find that they turned their phones off early, or did not turn them on at all in the morning, or are still on the lunch message at 3pm!
If you leave a message for the nurse you may not get a call back, ever. At least don't expect a call that day or even the next day.
And they routinely misplace my test results, etc.
My pharmacist has had trouble getting in touch with the doctor too to verify prescriptions, as I said before this can take several days.
But Dr. H is very experienced and knowledgeable. He and his fellow practitioners are caring even when rushed. They do know what they are doing. And in the end I do feel like i'm receiving good care from them. I guess that that is what matters most.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
That receptionist should have been fired years ago. Or been taught some business manners, if she is even capable of learning them.
Posts: 8430 | From Not available | Registered: Oct 2000
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We have talked before and you know I see Dr H and my son sees both Dr H and Dr J.
If you want to see Dr H make sure you state that when you call. The office usually has you rotate each time with who you see.
I have not heard of the new PA sorry.
Posts: 476 | From Columbus, Ohio | Registered: Aug 2007
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Here's a tip people.
DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU.
Show some respect and gratitude, and remember you are NOT in these LLMD's shoes. If you don't like something, don't be a part of it. Stop the whining and complaining, it's unnecessary, and it's a slap in the face to the patients whom to this LLMD, they owe their life to. You are being extremely ignorant by not looking into WHY costs are so high. There is plenty of reason why, and you need to educate yourselves on the political aspects of this disease.
Put Doctor questions under seeking a doctor, and stop this unnecessary whining!
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posted
Three of us see Dr. H and his staff. My daughter also sees Hr. H and Dr. J. The care has been wonderful. The support staff has always been great. If I leave a message I get a call back within 48 hours, if it is urgent they call back the same day. I have not had any trouble with test results getting misplaced.My pharmacy never has trouble getting through to them.
This is a very dedicated staff that have given us all our lives back. We have been called on Sundays to go over things. They never stop working. Remember this is an extremely busy practice.
I agree Wildcondor, respect and gratitude needs to be shown.
Posts: 488 | From NY | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I just spoke with JF last night and he said the office is crazy busy. The PA is going on on maternity leave and he said Dr. H hasn't been in the office much.
He spent at least 10 min on the phone with me and it wasn't even a consult.
So just be aware that the office is going to be short handed the next few months.
I am one of those who hasn't responded well to abx (many of them) and they still keep trying and coming up with different combos.
They work incredibly long hours as I have been called as late at ten at night..
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Everyone, I appreciate all the great information, negative and positive -- as well as all the gray inbetween. Realistic reports help me tremendously!
I also see this office and agree with all the comments -- both good and bad. The PA will be on maternity leave. She's having triplets! Awesome for her. I know some people have trouble with her being pushy - but that's perfect for me because I push back and debate the treatment. Some people tell me I'm a "bad" person for questioning the doctor's treatments, but I think I'm a "great" patient, because it allows us to really flesh out treatment as a team. I often remember things that she might overlook or forget happened in a prior appointment. (A lot of what is said isn't recorded, if it was part of the discussion, and not the treatment plan).
At any rate, we've put together good plans together and we have a good relationship. The same hasn't been true for me with some of the others in the office. I have a more difficult time personality wise occasionally. It's normal.
So personalities -- not necessarily competence -- play a big role sometimes for me. All of them are highly skilled in knowledge and all of them are kind -- but some are chatty (like me), and some are very serious and want to get right down to business and hammer it out correctly. When you know which is best for you (You'll be rotated around), then you simply ask to stay with that one practitioner and setup appointments each time for them with the office staff. And remember, a lot of patients adapt to a lot of personalities, so they do fine with everyone. I'm an acquired taste -- a little more annoying, basically.
At any rate, I'm just now learning about this new PA. Haven't gotten any information on her yet.
I talked to JF and asked him if I could just schedule with him when LY leaves and he was ok with that. He and Dr. H look at me like I'm a nut case half the time, but that's probably because I do say some stupid **** during visits (I get nervous). JF is very nice and slightly chatty, which make's things more comforting, and he's not pushy or aggressive. People who are shy would do well with him. He's also the most "alternative" thinker of the practioners, making him useful for cases that aren't responding to anything else.
LY is the one who likes me. The office staff also seem to like me. Initially they made mistakes (I see them make mistakes with nearly everyone else), but after those first mistakes I learned quickly how to avoid them. I make them double check and recheck everything that goes through them -- medical records (I get mine printed at the end of every appt). I also sit there and recount the bottles and recalculate the balance sheet and receipts for supplements right infront of them. I've received "too many" bottles of one thing and too few of another in the past. I was charged double at one point when I didn't receive "double product." etc -- so just keep track. Sit back down in the waiting room after you've gotten all your receipts and supplements. Pull out a calculator from home (take one with ya), and do the math and count the bottles -- and read them carefully. You'll be fine then.
Surprisingly, rather than being offended, they never are when I do this -- at least they don't appear to be.
I'm super polite and friendly when I walk in, and even if they're having a bad day, I continue to be -- it seems to cheer them up. (It's hard for really sick people to be friendly and cheerful).
Also, I'm finding out that a lot of the employees have Lyme Disease, but they don't tell patients usually. This changed the dynamics of how I treated them. I was more forgiving of some shortcomings. Don't be afraid to ask people there if they have Lyme. You'll be shocked at how many do. It's a major reason to applied to work there!
I talked to Daryl Hall briefly when I was at the office last time. Nice guy by the way.
[ 05-05-2009, 09:30 AM: Message edited by: METALLlC BLUE ]
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
I must add that the PA I have been seeing listens to everything I have to say no matter how long it takes.
Anytime I have called there(only a couple), I have gotten a timely call back. I do agree the receptionist staff leaves something to be desired.
JF works long hrs., I think above and beyond, and he has also called me as late as 10 pm. But he never forgets.
I think part of the problem is the abusers, calling there constantly. In turn, that affects all patients.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
I disagree with you Wild Condor. I don't see it as whining, people are sharing their experiences. As I look for a doctor I appreciate that people tell me these things so I can make my own opinion.
I don't want people to gloss things over. Glossing things over seems to be the IDSA's job. Practice what you preach. We want an open and honest medical community.
Posts: 743 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2009
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
John, I'm one of the few who supports critical evaluation during public discussions. The discussions must be mature, and reasonable when conveyed, and I feel this discussion has been.
I think anyone who is fortunate enough to get into this office should thank their lucky stars -- but seeing the world's best (In my opinion) doesn't mean you'll fester in infatuation.
This isn't a new love affair, so expect imperfections to glare out, and expect real life mistakes.
Also, for everyone here: Be smart, bring a tape recorder to your appointments. They let you. The appointments are rapid paced sometimes, and there are a lot of interruptions.
A tape recorder solves all your suffering. You don't have to try to write it all down at once or remember it. It's especially useful for people who go alone too.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
Just FYI, I brought a micro recorder and they didn't like it at all. The PA I see keeps going over anything I really need to remember till he knows I have it straight.
He spends alot of time with me on all my appointments.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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I had an appointment with Dr H. I waited 3 months but when they called I cancelled because I started to see another doctor.
I didn't see Dr H because I really can't afford it. He doesn't take insurance and I have a family I don't want to bankrupt.
The doctor I'm seeing, Dr C, really isn't treating aggressively in my opinion and I haven't made much progress, so I am debating whether trying to make another appointment, so this information is interesting and relevant to me.
If I see someone and decide to go into debt I am thinking Dr L or Dr H.
I'm still new to Lyme and finding my way. I got it last summer in July, so it has taken some time to figure out what's what in the confusion.
It rather annoys me that Burrascano was right near me and that he no longer pratices. I meet people who tell me he cured them and smile with a little jealousy.
Posts: 743 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
John, Dr. H follows Burracano's guidlines and took over some of his sickest patients. If you can get past the first visit fee and have good presription coverage, it can be managable.
I have a 3 hr. drive each way, so they started every other month doing a phone consult. Now, because of the distance, I am just going out every other month.
There are some supplements, but they sell them cheaper than you can find them anywhere (I checked).
There just is no way around treating Lyme cheaply.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
Kel, I didn't know anyone had trouble doing that. I'll have to see if some of them have changed their positions -- they seem to flip-flop a lot at the office because of patient load and different laws and things that happen.
I'll confirm as soon as possible.
John, I think costs is a huge issue. I agree with Kel on everything she said too. You have to be persistent in balancing your costs before even going into the appointment. The killer is the initial appt and testing. If you have Medicare, you're gold. But unfortunately that isn't the case for most patients.
After that it's supplements. Set a range that you can afford that is realistic for appropriate treatment and still safe for your wallet.
For me that safe zone was between 400-550$ per month on supplements. I'm constantly revaluating the supplements each month with the provider. If I did every single thing they wanted me on, it would skyrocket the cost. All the treatments are beneficial, but for each patient, some are more important than others.
For me, as an example. She feels B12 is crucial, yet all my B12 numbers have been normal from the get go. Not once has she waned on that. However, other things that are even more important for other patients, she thought could be dropped. So it's really an individual process.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
One last point that is really crucial. New patients who know "nothing" - or....aren't involved in understanding their treatment process, will find a huge shock when they attempt to get treatment.
You have absolutely got to understand in advance what you're doing, why you're doing it, and what could/should happen while you do it and after you do it.
Make sure to talk to patients here when considering new drugs. People respond very differently to the drugs prescribed and their office can't possibly know how you individually will respond always.
If you have a problem and get into trouble, you have to know when to say when -- so ask us for help.
Before your appointments, write down all your questions. Have the doctor answer the questions using the piece of paper you brought, so you can have them when you leave.
I usually spend a week writing my questions. I'll add one at a time as they come to me. By the time the appointment arrives, I've usually got around 5-15 questions at least.
Treatment is severely aggressive much of the time, so learn about each drug before you take it -- read about it online too, even after the doctor has told you what to expect.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
posted
I changed my insurance to HIP for Dr C. Unfortunately they won't cover prescriptions for a doctor off the plan. I have to wait a few months before I can change back to Empire.
We just bought a house before I got Lyme so there is no money in equity and we are on a tight budget. I really can't afford it, but Lyme is taking it's toll.
Tough decisions.
I really still can't believe I saw the tick, got the rash, became sick, was CDC positive and I'm told the worsening symptoms are an imaginary disease, go home and suffer. I'm still waiting to meet Alice in Wonderland. It boggles my mind that so many people have chronic Lyme and the cost of a few suburban houses is all that is spent on researching it. I would have never believed the atmosphere surrounding this disease if I didn't contract it.
Posts: 743 | From New York | Registered: Apr 2009
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posted
I agree, taking a list of your questions is a crucial part of your appointment. Even if you tink you can, there is no way you are going to remember them all.
You are paying alot of money, and need to get everything you can out of your appointments.
Then you have ppl that keep calling b/c they forgot to ask something. That is what ruins it in a very busy office for everyone else.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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posted
Metallic Blue I am so jealous you got to talk with Daryl Hall..They were my favorites back in the late 70's-80's. Maybe I will run into him during one of my visits! You have some great ideas on your posts.
I see JF and he has been very patient, kind and caring during the past year and half. I am one of those non responsive patients and he always has another plan in mind just in case..
I think he truly cares for his patients and has called me on weekends too. I feel badly that I am such a difficult case for him.
I personally have not had a full appt. with Dr. H only because I get along with JF very well and feel comfortable with him.
When I have seen Dr. H he is very business like but very nice and caring also.
I do think they probably get alot of phone calls from patients who are scared and having difficulty with meds etc..so they have to screen the calls or else they would be on the phones all day.
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
MB, that's funny about the B12. LY never suggested B12 for me. There must be some specific symptom of yours that she feels it would help.
Since I live far away and have to fly to see Dr. H, I see him on the visits there, and talk to LY for phone consults. How often I fly there has to do with how well I'm doing. I get blood work done locally.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
JF has been having me do B12 shots now for a few months. He didn't test before trying them either. I think they do make a little difference.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
John S, which Dr. C do you see?
Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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seekhelp
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 15067
posted
OK, thanks John. Posts: 7545 | From The 5th Dimension - The Twilight Zone | Registered: Mar 2008
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METALLlC BLUE
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6628
posted
quote: MB, that's funny about the B12. LY never suggested B12 for me. There must be some specific symptom of yours that she feels it would help.
It's really individual, that's pretty much it. They are trying me on some new drugs which they've been trying on "most" patients. We'll see how I do since I responded so well to other drugs that are in the same family as this new drug. (At least I appeared to respond, but I was on other drugs at the time too)
Additional note. I've seen absolutely zero results from the B12, and yet still she keeps telling me to stay on it, so it must be really important. She's taken me off a lot of other things that I told her weren't working, so... it's necessary by her stance.
I'll stay with it for now, but price wise I think there are other options that would better serve me.
-------------------- I am not a physician, so do your own research to confirm any ideas given and then speak with a health care provider you trust.
is it cheaper to see the PAs, or do u pay the same fee per appointment regardless of who u see?
Posts: 34 | From Airmont NY | Registered: May 2009
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
mike, so glad you shared you got to visit with daryl hall.
did you by chance talk to him at all about lyme activism and what he is doing specifically on that front?
please tell him thank you for coming out in the open about his lyme and being on a couple of talk shows i believe it was larry king, etc. can't remember....
thanks mike! lots of good advise above.
on your lists, MAKE SURE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ARE ADDRESSED AT THE TOP OF LIST. ------------------------------------------------------------------
i type mine up and give the dr. it so when he dictates medical notes, it can be used as a reminder so they are MORE COMPLETE and dr. hasn't forgotten anything.
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posted
go see the dr. h group, they are top-notch and know their stuff. jf is awesome as well, the assistants are all well trained in dr h's approaches. yes the front office can be cranky at times but then again so can we.
-------------------- do your best to educate the rest because 9 out of 10 doctors don't know jack about tick borne illnesses Posts: 437 | From shawangunk mountains, ny | Registered: May 2008
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tickbattler
Unregistered
posted
Thank you all for your candid replies. I believe it is important to give both positives and negatives about LLMD's as they all have both...I just want to be able to evaluate which negatives I will want to live with while I am under treatment.
My husband has been in treatment for 2 years and has been to several LLMD's (all ILADS members). He has not made much progress in the past year due to the fact most of them didn't concentrate on the coinfections or were just not aggressive enough. Even my 4 year old twin boys have been on more meds at one time than my husband! (They are seeing Dr. J in CT, whom we love).
I came close to making an appt with Dr. H twice before but didn't do it b/c I was concerned that the office was so big and that things could get lost in the translation between PA/LLMD, etc...But it appears that this has not happened to you all. I can deal with big offices, as we deal with Dr. J's operation, which is pretty big.
My only concern now is that we would be paying all this $$$ and putting my husband's health into the hands of an unknown person (the new PA) and we don't know for sure if Dr. H will have much influence in the protocol. I would hope that he would be particularly involved with someone new to the team, as we don't want to go down any more wrong paths with treatment protocols!
Anyway, I can deal with lost records/mistakes like that so long as my husband gets the best treatment to get him well as fast as possible.
That is what we need now. I don't want to have to go in there convincing the LLMD that my husband has bart or babs or educating him/her about new treatments! I am sure I won't have that issue with Dr. H, so that is a HUGE factor for me in making my decision.
One more question...if you can't get through to the office staff for questions between appts, can you fax in your question? I just tried several times to get through to them and the recording says that the office is closed. This started at 3:30 today! Also, can you send e-mails?
sixgoofykids
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 11141
posted
His PA's are well trained. I wouldn't be worried that the new PA is inexperienced. Your husband will be on lots of meds like your boys are with Dr. J.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
I do all my communication through fax. It makes it much easier on me so I don't have to leave a long message. Plus it is hard getting through.
JF has always responded to my fax either that night or within a few days. He told me it is much easier for him to have it right in front of him while he is talking.
We are lucky we have a fax at our house. I have never done emails since I told JF up front that we had a fax machine.
If Dr. H is in the office when I have my appt. he always has come in and gone over the treatment plan. He has actually added to it at times.
When I have had phone consults with JF and there is a question involving changing treatments he has actually spoken with Dr. H and called me back. So if Dr. H is around he usually has imput on the treatment.
Posts: 343 | From North Carolina | Registered: Oct 2008
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WildCondor
Unregistered
posted
Ok, Ask yourself, where you would be if we had no LLMDs? Nuff said. Show some respect!!
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posted
I think I win when it comes to who travels farthest to see Dr H , actually no.... I think Tosho flies from Poland.
I actually had my first one with JF last summer and my follow up with Dr H himself in Jan. After both visits I think I will have my next one with JF.
It was all a bit frantic and fast paced last time and if I have my appointment with JF I get input from Dr H anyway, so its the best of both worlds in my opinion.
I would have flown to the moon to find the best docs to get me out of this hell. They are excellent.
-------------------- Pos BB and Bart(Q & H IGG pos) Began treat 1 year after start of illness. Diagnosed Feb 2007. Posts: 648 | From Ireland | Registered: Jan 2007
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tickbattler
Unregistered
posted
kim - glad to hear you are able to communicate through faxes...I do that with Dr. J for my kids and it works great!
fighter - they told me that it was the same price for either PA or doc.
Thanks so much again for all of your replies and reassurances...I think it's time to give him a try!
posted
Just to add..... i believe when there are any changes or decisions, it goes through Dr. H. J has many times left and talked to him, or if on the phone, talks to him and calls me back.
Posts: 847 | From upstateNY | Registered: Dec 2007
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While you are looking to afford a doctor, try supplement Intramax which has been mentioned before, all in one supplement that you work up to and provides a TON of energy.
I have spent thousands and thousands, I dont think banrupt is the answer and wish I hadn't overspent.
Posts: 187 | From FL | Registered: Nov 2007
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lymewreck36
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4395
posted
WE should start a new thread..who flies the farthest to see his/her lyme doctor. I fly from Switzerland to Louisianna.
I used to see Dr. H as well as my children and husband when I lived in Connecticut.
Wonderful man, wonderful practice. Fabulous P.A.
Receptionist, not so good on the phone, but very personable face to face.
Mary in Switzerland
Posts: 1034 | From North Carolina | Registered: Aug 2003
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, actually no.... I think Tosho flies from Poland.
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