Cardio rushing through appt

[labguides]

I was not happy with the cardio today. We waited almost 2 hours to see him. The patient prior to me is a friend. He has severe heart problems, so I had no problem with the cardio spending lots of time with him going over electrical tests.

But.. I was not happy that the cardio RUSHED with me. He was with me less than 5 minutes. He did explain things during the stress/echo, but he said he would give diagnosis and more explanation at appointment. Today, he told me the results of blood tests (elevated cholesterol) and started to leave -- I had to ask him the diagnosis from the echo and what I could do to lower cholesterol. Fortunately, I have some background knowledge of the heart as our daughter had mitral valve repair in January. Without that knowledge, I would have been lost today.

Thanks for letting me vent.

 

[gijanet]

I feel your pain............

I feel your pain............

so vent away, girlfriend!!!! Sorry you got the brush-off, though. Hugs.

 

[tobagotwo]

The best answer I've ever come up with for the "rush job" appointment is to say, "Are you in a hurry? Maybe we shouldn't do this now."

When I offered to leave and reschedule for his convenience, he packpedalled completely.

It's like your time and "waiting angst" are worth nothing. It's not only rude: you're not even getting what you paid for.

Sorry you went through that. It's a day-wrecker.

Best wishes,

 

[hensylee]

my brother and I were traveling 80 miles (each way) to be seen by our cardio for TEN minutes which is the amount of time he allots each patient! I was asked if I wanted to be seen by the doctor's ass't instead. I chose him. My brother chose the dr. I got about 30 minutes, while brother got only ten. Charges were the same. We switched doctors to one who comes to our town one day per week, from the same hospital as our other cardio. He gives us all the time we need. Nurse practitioners are usually pretty good and if you have need to see the doctor, you can also see him/her. Just ask.

 

[Marguerite53]

Yes, it is frustrating.

Yes, it is frustrating.

Bob. You're amazing. I could never say that!! Let alone think of it fast enough when they come in all friendly and glib. My problem is that I wait through the chit chat thinking the cardio will then bless me with a treastise on my condition, only to find that she is nodding, smiling and headed out the door!

Once, I did say, please, I have more questions, and she immediately sat down, eye to eye and was ready. What is the routine with doctors? They seem to be in a "less is more" mode all the time. For me it is frustrating no matter who I see. They all work on the "least common denominator" principle and talk down to everyone, or just don't talk at all. Maybe that's the way things were when they started their practice, but knowledge abounds now, with the internet and global connections. We are a much more educated group of patients (especially those of us whom Hank has brought together ). The best advice I've gotten here was to type up a list of questions to hand to the doctor to discuss. Of course, I haven't had the nerve to hand them to her yet!!

Good luck with future visits!

Marguerite

 

[labguides]

<<the "rush job" appointment is to say, "Are you in a hurry? Maybe we shouldn't do this now." >>

I love that. I must remember it.

My experience with nurse practitioners is that they definitely take more time with me than the MD's. They even listen!

My feeling is that some MD's have a quota to reach each day -- the quota is often set by the business which owns the doctor's practice.

 

[Karlynn]

I've been very spoiled by my last 2 cards. Neither double-book appointments (or triple book) and appointments are in 45 minute time slots. I rarely find myself waiting more than 15 minutes in the waiting room. On the rare occasion when there was an emergency with one of their other patients I was given the opportunity to wait, or to reschedule. Always with an apology for the inconvenience.

One of my previous cards (when I didn't know what to expect as courtesy) often kept me waiting for 1 to 2 hours in the waiting room and exam room combined. And then gave me bad advice and medication on top of it.

 

[Christina L]

I will vent

I will vent

too.

My last cardio visit back in September, my (around 60 years of age) cardiologist almost fell asleep!!! I went in for that blackout spell I had had and the guy was nodding off - no kidding!!! I was incredulous at what I was seeing!! I was furious and almost said to him, "Do I need to leave so you can take a nap??!"

I realize that he may have had a rough night with an emergency patient, but the guy also just got remarried - to a VERY young nurse (she is around 30 years of age so I've been told) two years ago. I am guessing he can't keep up with her. Aren't I terrible , BUT I was mad and still am mad about that appointment.

I see the same cardio in two weeks for my year echo post surgery. I hope he will have had a couple of cups of coffee before he sees me.

Otherwise he is a brilliant cardiologist and I like him a lot as my doctor, but...I would prefer it if he were awake at my next visit.

Sorry to hear about your trevails with your doctor. We have to realize they are not gods (even though some think they are) and have faults.

Christina L.