Changing cardios -- update

[catwoman]

Saw the new cardio yesterday (5/12). I really like him. He prefers to see mechanical valve patients every 6 months for a couple of years post-op; my cardio in Dallas said only annually. BTW, the one here trained with the one in Dallas, so they know each other pretty well.
I'll have an echo 5/25 and another visit in November 2006.

The new cardio was impressed that I do my own INR tests -- asked if I call my PCP with results. I said no, mentioned Al Lodwick's dosing chart. We chatted a little, and he said, "Wow, you know just about as much as I do." I said, no, I've just educated myself.

He said in his experience and knowledge that mechanicals seldome have to be replaced and if so , it's not because of the valve's failure. Said that if I an diligent about taking the warfarin, having INR tests and taking antibiotics before procedures, I should never go through VR again. (Knock on wood.)
My former cardio sent all records except the heart cath, so we're getting a copy of that.

Interesting note: When we were talking about home-testing, he said a cardio in the Netherlands told him that you can go into drug stores there and get INR tests.

I'm satisfied with the change.

 

[Ross]

That is great! Wish everyones stories went as well. I can't wait for the day, here in America, that we can go to the drugstore and get our INR stuff like the diabetics get theirs.

 

[Karlynn]

Phew! Great visit!

 

[bvdr]

Marsha, I really like your report of your new cardio. It sounds like he is a keeper.
I'd sure like INR testing to be a little less cumbersome too but I doubt that we'll see over the counter availability for our supplies in the US for many years. Over here, not only is the liability issue a factor but I think a good percentage of patients would not educate themselves or be willing to do what it takes to assume that responsibility. We can dream though .

 

[Georgia]

But Betty, I've known diabetics who are dumber than a box of rocks and they do their home testing. I think this holding us captive to lab blood draws is purely economic.

 

[Guest]

Marsha,

Glad to know the new cardiologist is a keeper . Congrats!



Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker
MC:family.IL.guide.future = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/
chdQB = http://www.chevyasylum.com/cort/quilt.html
"It's time to take a leap of faith" ... Steven Curtis Chapman ... 'Dive'

 

[Guest]

You can go into a drugstore in some places in the US and get an INR done. I set one up in Jeff's Valley Pharmacy in Colorado City, Colorado about 6 years ago. If you are ever on I-25 in southern Colorado stop in.

 

[Georgia]

How's it work, Al? Do you need a prescription? Can you just go and pay cash and get it done? Do they use a coagucheck? (never know when we might be down that way - we're keeping my mom's condo in Evergreen and plan to spend a good deal of time in CO; want to travel around, to Mesa Verde, Ouray area, and down to NM)

 

[catwoman]

You can go into a drugstore in some places in the US and get an INR done. I set one up in Jeff's Valley Pharmacy in Colorado City, Colorado about 6 years ago. If you are ever on I-25 in southern Colorado stop in.

Interesting...
Is there a list of drugstores in the U.S. where you can get INRs? I would guess that you can't just pop in without appointment, that perhaps not all pharmacists are knowledgeable/trained to handle INR tests.

 

[Guest]

Very few. I had an inquiry from one in FL once. California did have a law prohibiting pharmacists from doing this - don't know if they still do.

Medicare Part D allows pharmacists to get provider IDs for doing things like INR testing. However, there is no requirement that they be paid.