What do you think of a doctor who does this?

January 7, 2006

After going through a battery of tests over the last 4 months ... holter, CT

scan instead of treadmill, echocardiogram, not to mention a cardioversion

August 1, and never having any real face to face time with my EP even at the

cardioversion...I called to make an appt with him to go over my mitral valve

situation, my long-term prospects/plans (I am 61) for possible surgery down the

line, due to enlarged left atrium etc...It took 2 days and 3 phone calls

from me for the scheduling person to return my call and she left a message

saying my doctor is " too busy " and does not have enough time in the near future

but I could make an appointment with his assistant, Debbie, who may be a P-A

and may not...they go through them like M and Ms at this big cardiology office.

I do not want to see his assistant! I want to see him. I am considering

changing doctors. What are your thoughts?

Also, anyone have any experience with the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix for heart?

Lil

January 7, 2006

Lil - if you really want to see the EP make an appointment with him, no matter

how far off it is. He is obviously seeing SOMEONE to make him so busy, so it

may as well be you. But if you are having problems connecting with him overall,

then perhaps it's time to at least look for someone else. I find it very

comforting that I can see and talk with my cardio when I need to.. now he's not

always on call when I go to the ER, but unless he's on vacation, he's generally

available within a day or two at the latest.

And since your situation is beyond lone afib, I think it's important that you

speak with a DOCTOR and not a PA. I always hate seeing a PA.. all they ever do

is perscribe ibuprofen for whatever is wrong.. for some things a PA would be

fine, but not for your heart and not for questions about the direction of your

future treatment.

I have quit several doctors offices because they were too busy to see their

patients... you go, wait an hour after your appointed time, and then see the

doctor a cursory 5 minutes where he's not paying attention to you anyway.

There are doctors out there that are timely, and concerned and will give you the

time you need to answer your questions and to allay any fears.. health care

needs to be a team effort and it doesn't sound like you have a very good team.

Stef

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