Second opinion

[pnwcoast]

Does anybody feel like they and their cardiologist are not a good match? How does one fire a cardiologist? How do you say to the office staff that you want all of your records transfered to some other cardiologists office?
How can I find a cardiologist I trust and believe?
How can you know if all of your records really do get transfered should you request it? Is this type of situation way far off the scale of things to worry about? Do cardiologists offices deal with this type of situation often enough so that my concerns are unfounded?
The only thing I know for sure right now is that I am not happy with my cardio or the staff. We just don't seem to connect.

 

[Ross]

You have the right to fire anyone you feel like if you feel your not getting the care you need.

Simply shop around, maybe ask the nurses on the cardiac floor of the local hospital who they'd recommend and maybe go with that. Beleive me, if the Doctors a dud, they'll be sure to point you to someone else.

Simply call the new cardios office and let them know your seeking a second opinion or get a referal from your PCP. Let them handle getting your files. It doesn't cost them a penny and it could cost you a lot.

Compatibility problems with these guys seems to be an issue with just about all of them. They do have this God complex that is difficult to over come, but it can be done.

 

[Susan BAV]

Does anybody feel like they and their cardiologist are not a good match? How does one fire a cardiologist? How do you say to the office staff that you want all of your records transfered to some other cardiologists office?
How can I find a cardiologist I trust and believe?
How can you know if all of your records really do get transfered should you request it? Is this type of situation way far off the scale of things to worry about? Do cardiologists offices deal with this type of situation often enough so that my concerns are unfounded?
The only thing I know for sure right now is that I am not happy with my cardio or the staff. We just don't seem to connect.

Yes. Several here have also mentioned similar experiences. I even tried different cardios in the same office. (And I don't think they liked that either.) I don't quite know what the issue was with that lame group except that they specialize in pharmaceutical studies and maybe they just really didn't know what to do with me.

The last recommendation I received from them could have been fatal, had I not taken a more active role in pursuing a second opinion. And not only were they very wrong. The last cardio I saw in that office was extremely rude and dismissive to me. I had taken my husband with me so he could see how they were and he was just shocked. Actually, the cardio even lied to our faces about my echo result. That may sound like a shocking claim. We were certainly shocked -- and bewildered -- and could never figure out what motivated him to do that.

But I hardly knew where else to go. And they were the favorite group of our wonderful family doctor. Once I had records transferred by that cardio office to another cardio and the new cardio was rankled because they just sent over random things, and not the whole file or even an entire report of anything. So even the office staff was deficient.

(A lot of us here have found it necessary to request and keep personal copies of each echo report and procedure report and such. Then we have it when we need it.)

It was a very difficult time for us as we asked around for other names of recommended cardios, and I was feeling pretty badly as my native bicuspid valve was deteriorating, and we hit a few brick walls, but we kept researching, looking, asking, etc.

Maybe that's too much info. Sorry. But your post reminded me of what a difficulty we went through also. Hoping all goes well for you. Don't give up. There are good cardios out there. Best wishes .

 

[ponytaila1a]

I have requested copies of everything. I have DVD's of the TEE and the cath, but no film or DVD....only a written report of the echo. I too am seeking a second opinion and want to be sure I have everything. Does anyone know if there should be film or a DVD of the echo?

 

[deek]

I hear you loud and clear. I, too, am in the same boat. Yes, you can request DVD copies of your echos. I did this and burned additional copies. Best of luck to you!

D

 

[Rich]

When I discovered my valve problem I was not the least bit happy with the cardio at that time. A good friend of mine strongly recommended another Cardio at a different hospital. It was the best thing I could have done.
You have to have some comfort level with your doctor or say good bye.

Deek,
Are you having all this done up in Saginaw or heading down here ?

Rich

 

[bvdr]

I have requested copies of everything. I have DVD's of the TEE and the cath, but no film or DVD....only a written report of the echo. I too am seeking a second opinion and want to be sure I have everything. Does anyone know if there should be film or a DVD of the echo?

Yes, there are actual copies of the echo itself. A while back I questioned my cardiologist about my pulmonary pressures which had been rising since surgery. I asked if he thought the reports were accurate and that it was rising. He pulled all my old echo films and went through them one by one and gave me a call at home to tell me what he had done. He changed my medications a bit and added another one.

I always get copies of reports and tests for my own file.

I changed cardiologists shortly before surgery. I did tell the first cardiologist that I just didn't think we had the patient/doctor chemisty that I thought should be there. I've never regretted it. I didn't burn bridges but I did cross one.

I Hope you find one you are comfortable with since it is a long term relationship. A surgeon you see for such a brief period of time that for me I only really care about their skills. Not so with my cardio.

 

[Shawneegirl]

I also am in the same boat. Even though I had the best dr in Shrev. we just did not seem to click and he just didn't seem to care. I had a little trouble getting records switched but I have an appt. with a new dr next week.
Good Luck
Bobbie

 

[pnwcoast]

Thank you all for the replies. No, this is not to much information for me!
In fact it is really nice to be able to read your experiences, helps me to feel at home here and that I'm most definitly not alone. So many of you have so much to offer.
I have been asking for and recieving the latest CT and echo reports for the last year now. I then can take them home and research what it all means plus I have copies to kep with me should I find a cardio I can work with.

And yes, the staff at my cardios office has really ticked me off three times. One time they even forgot I had an appointment! I had to make another one and come back later. Like weeks later, partly due to my work schedule of course but I think they should have been jumping through hoops to find a place for me. Maybe I'm to hard on them, they must be very busy.

Anyway, I will take all your advice and see where it can help me, thank you all again.

 

[escargome]

First Hi and Welcome to this site. You most definately should stick to your guns. Just keep asking around and you are bound to find a cardio that is more in-tune with you. When I was first diagnosed for MVR the cardio that I was assigned with the hospital was a real lunk head and darn near called me a liar to my face. Since I had fired doctor's before, trust me I found a new cardio for another opinion of my case. He concurred with the first doctor, but put it to me in such a manner that I was able to swallow the inevitable and had my surgery. Good Luck in finding a doctor that (and office staff) that will treat you with dignity and respect.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

My recommendation for changing Cardiologists is to first do NOTHING to 'tick off' your current Cardio or his staff.

Simply make appointments with other Cardiologist(s) until you find someone you would like to transfer to and who will accept you as a patient. Then have HIS staff send a request for your records (with your signed request). Once the records are received, you may want to ask to view them for completeness.

Good Luck in your Quest.

 

[pnwcoast]

Well everybody I had my 6 month visit today and the entire office staff appears to have been replaced. I recognized nobody from my past visits. My cardiologist seemed much more relaxed and think we may have turned a corner. I am encouraged. This post does not show my relief and the joy I feel right now about my situation!

 

[Susan BAV]

Good; I hope things will be better for you. Take care.

 

[pnwcoast]

Thanks Susan BAV.

I feel encouraged, in control of my situation. I feel better than I have in a long time. Seemed as though my cardiologist and the staff holds the keys and now that you all have encouraged me to be more assertive (if only in my mind, my thought processing. No need to jump out of the pan after this last visit) well, things seem much more surmountable. A new office staff helped a lot!! Thanks for the support!

 

[ponytaila1a]

I have requested copies of everything. I have DVD's of the TEE and the cath, but no film or DVD....only a written report of the echo. I too am seeking a second opinion and want to be sure I have everything. Does anyone know if there should be film or a DVD of the echo?

UPDATE....I spoke with the office girl at the cardio's office yesterday. She said that I was the first person to ask for the film of the echo. She stated that it is on VHS or something and they are not able to make copies???????
Is this common?
Thanks Jennifer

 

[Eva]

When I decided to fire my cardio, I asked for a copy of my last echo and hard copies of the reports without telling them I wanted to leave him--I wanted to share them with a cardiologist relative, which is true. They made me a CD which cost me $15 for it (worth the peace of mind)!!! I got it home and made more copies and I took one to each cardio I interviewd Unfortunately, many did not accept to take me, I think ethically, and advised me to stay with the old one for my own sake, even though I did not mention I was upset at him, I used the distance as an excuse to find a nearer doctor to where I live. But, when I mentioned my family doctor's name as the one who referred me, that cardio accepted me and he said no need for anything. He will start monitoring my heart as of after the OHS.

 

[ALCapshaw2]

UPDATE....I spoke with the office girl at the cardio's office yesterday. She said that I was the first person to ask for the film of the echo. She stated that it is on VHS or something and they are not able to make copies???????
Is this common?
Thanks Jennifer

The Echocardiograms at our Heart Center are also on VHS (video tape) and they will provide ONE copy at no charge if it is going to another physician for review.

If you have the equipment, or know someone who does, you can make additional copies on your own at much lower cost (than what our center charges for additional copies).

 

[ponytaila1a]

The Echocardiograms at our Heart Center are also on VHS (video tape) and they will provide ONE copy at no charge if it is going to another physician for review.

If you have the equipment, or know someone who does, you can make additional copies on your own at much lower cost (than what our center charges for additional copies).

Thanks for the reply. As I said, the cardio's office "supposedly" sent the records to CC for review, so I don't know if I can say it is for another doc.
I would gladly pay for the copy and as you said make any additional copies.
I'll try calling her again. I like the cardio, but this office girl is driving me CRAZY!!! She sends me the wrong places for tests, does not make correct arrangements with the hopspital doing the test (TEE and cath, which I was able to get copies of from the hospital), makes me appointments when the cardio had not expected to see me. The nurse suggested I just go back home when this happened. I said I would just take the appointment anyway and use the time to ask questions. I could tell the cardio was disgusted with me thinking I made the appointment after he had sent me on to the CC and had told me he would see me post surg!! I am hoping every time I call that the office staff has turned over

 

[ALCapshaw2]

Thanks for the reply. As I said, the cardio's office "supposedly" sent the records to CC for review, so I don't know if I can say it is for another doc.
I would gladly pay for the copy and as you said make any additional copies.
I'll try calling her again. I like the cardio, but this office girl is driving me CRAZY!!! She sends me the wrong places for tests, does not make correct arrangements with the hopspital doing the test (TEE and cath, which I was able to get copies of from the hospital), makes me appointments when the cardio had not expected to see me. The nurse suggested I just go back home when this happened. I said I would just take the appointment anyway and use the time to ask questions. I could tell the cardio was disgusted with me thinking I made the appointment after he had sent me on to the CC and had told me he would see me post surg!! I am hoping every time I call that the office staff has turned over

Your Cardiologist needs to be informed of all the ERRORS made by his staff. You could do this in a written Letter to your Cardio which should become a part of your records.

Our Heart Center (over 25 Cardiologists) has a Records Department on a separate floor. They have a reception area with tablets of Release Forms on the counter. I always fill out those forms, requesting copies of my tests in 2 weeks. If /when I do not receive those copies in a timely manner, I call the Records Department manager, remind her I filled out the forms and have not seen them yet. She either sends them out or I pick them up on my next visit (to the Coumadin Clinic).

 

[ponytaila1a]

Your Cardiologist needs to be informed of all the ERRORS made by his staff. You could do this in a written Letter to your Cardio which should become a part of your records.

Our Heart Center (over 25 Cardiologists) has a Records Department on a separate floor. They have a reception area with tablets of Release Forms on the counter. I always fill out those forms, requesting copies of my tests in 2 weeks. If /when I do not receive those copies in a timely manner, I call the Records Department manager, remind her I filled out the forms and have not seen them yet. She either sends them out or I pick them up on my next visit (to the Coumadin Clinic).

This is a single doc office. He left a large group just a year ago. There is only one office person....so my concern is that the letter would be opened and destroyed. Never make it to my file. I stopped by yesterday to pick up a written "order" for my dentist stating that I do not need antibiotics for a cleaning.. The office girl told me that they sent my original echo tape to the Cleveland Clinic, the clinic copied it and returned to the cardio's office. She again states that they have no way of providing a copy of the echo tape to the patient. I am still considering contacting another "local" cardiologist or just considering the review by the surgeons at the Clinic my second opinion. If I then have the surgery I would consider the change of cardio at that time. Opinions?