Forced to change cardiologists

[sue943]

It looks as if I am about to be forced to change cardiologists shortly, very much against my wishes. Mine was a locum here when I became ill and then he continued to visit on a monthly or bi-monthly basis to see private patients. A new permanent cardiologist was recently appointed so I 'phoned to ask if mine was still going to visit, and if so I need to make an appointment for a six monthly check. I was told that he will probably just come over once more to tie up loose ends, but at present they don't know when. The hospital here are forcing him out by not permitting him to prescribe medication nor order any tests or procedures, not even an ECG. This would be to ensure the new guy gets enough private patients.

The new cardiologist is well trained, has worked in some of the best cardiac units in England, John Radcliffe and Harefield. I am still not very happy as I got on very well with the other one.

For those of you who have changed cardiologists, did you find that the new one tries to put the other down, perhaps by picking holes in the treatment etc, perhaps running a barrage of tests. I am just a little concerned. My old records will be made available to the new guy, no problem about that. What can I expect when I change?

 

[CathyK.]

Sue - I changed on my own and my Card now does not put down the other one at all but they both still work at the same Heart Center so that could be a factor. I did not get a good feeling with my first Card and really like the one I have now. Good Luck!! I hope the new one is even better than the one before!

 

[geebee]

Sue,

I was forced to change also about 12 years ago when the cardio I was seeing decided to return to ER medicine. I was a bit crushed as I really liked him. However, the cardio that came into the practice after mine left is even better and we have been together ever since.

I hope the same happens for you.

 

[Sandy SHields]

I myself changed Cardiologist and I had no problem with him talking the other down. He thought he was a good cardiologist also. Good luck with the change.

 

[Lynlw]

I took Justin to a few other ped cards and was always surprised at how complimentary they were about the care he got and the decisions made about his heart and even when I was getting second ops , the surgeons knew who else we were talking to and a few said, you can't go wrong with any of the docs you chose

 

[sue943]

We don't have a choice, we have just one cardiologist. The nearest to a choice was when the one I have been seeing comes over from England but that is stopping. Now it is this one and only this one.

 

[AlonnolA]

I saw my pediatric card up to my mid to late 20's, and I loved him. For the last few years he told me he was working on setting up a system that would provide a smooth transition to an adult congenital cardiolotist. Then one day I called for an appointment, and was told to call the adult guy instead. Everyone says my current card is very good, but to me he always seems busy and rushed. My pediatric card seemed to be able to diagnose just with a stethescope, and took the time to talk. He was amazing!

In the US, doctors rarely seem to criticize each other, so I think its rare to get one doctor openly second-guessing another, even when it's warranted.

 

[Debster]

My mom changed cardios purely by a fluke incident. My mom needed a cath done and her reg cardio was called away by an emergency. Another guy in the same practice did the procedure, and she and I both believe it was the best deal ever This new one listens and got her on a drug regimine for her chf issues that has really helped her. She was leery about the change at the very first but is thrilled now. Good luck! Deb

 

[sue943]

Barring the unforeseen at least this will be the last one, he is thirty-seven (or was a few months ago) and is a local person so will probably stay here until he retires, so he ought to be good for about twenty-five years which will probably outlast me.

 

[Meghan]

Just to add my husband's experience changing cardiologists...

When Eric's cardiologist from age 3-25 retired, we had been watching Eric's aortic aneyerism for about 2 years, no change in size at 5.2cm, surgery recommended if it got to 6cm. Old cardiologist was apparently very conservative relative to surgery given the complications of Eric's bicuspid aortic valve and age.

We met with the new cardiologist for regular 6-month checkup and he told us to go home and stay the course.... then he talked with his surgeon and did some research and 3-4 weeks after being told to go home and come back in 6-12 months we were called in for a surgery consult.

So, that was a blind-sided about-face for us that took some time to get used to. But it started us on the track to looking at the alternatives, the experiences of other people with their surgeries and when they had them, which is probably good in the long run. Eric's still in the waiting room, probably an April 2007 surgery.

Meghan

 

[sue943]

Mine hopefully will only be routine checks, it will be about seventeen months since surgery.