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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Greg on July 2, 2000, at 19:11:48
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time? » Joy, posted by shellie on July 2, 2000, at 18:49:54
My average appt time is 15-20 minutes, but if I need more time, I get more. He doesn't rush me and wants to make he is current on everything that is going on. Maybe some doctors don't live by the "Revolving Door Rule". You know, get
'em in, get'em out. I've seen my doc for as long as an hour and a half before. If you're not getting the quality you need with your doc, IMHO, it's time for a change. HMO, PPO, whatever, we DESERVE to be treated like people, not cattle. My doc always returns my calls (personally, most of the time) within 3 hours, sooner if he feels it is critical.Greg
> Joy, if you are changing meds, or need to see someone, do you get to see him more often? Does he take phone calls if you have a med question? thanks, shellie
Posted by Cass on July 2, 2000, at 20:26:29
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time? » shellie, posted by Snowie on July 2, 2000, at 16:58:11
I see my pdoc for an hour every two weeks, but I am also doing talk therapy.
Posted by allisonm on July 2, 2000, at 20:27:26
In reply to Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by shellie on July 2, 2000, at 15:03:19
I see the same doctor for medicine and therapy. We meet weekly for 45-50 min. and we always end the session with a recap on how the drugs are working, and whether I need refills. When necessary sometimes I make meds the first topic du jour.
I like this setup because it gives me as much time as I need to talk about meds -- and it's weekly. For example, last week I started the session by observing that I have felt in a backslide in the last few weeks and I wanted to know his opinion whether my meds needed adjustment or if it was current circumstances. By talking both situations through, we decided that the meds were working; it's just a historically difficult time of year for me.
Another example is the irritability I had when my dose of Wellbutrin was upped in April. He worked with me so that I could determine whether it was the drug or the bad things happening at work (that time I decided it was both).
I like being to talk about these things all together because (to me) they have so much interconnectedness.
Good luck.
Allison
Posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 7:56:42
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by allisonm on July 2, 2000, at 20:27:26
pdoc med check appts are 15 minutes, once per month.
today, tho, I have a 30 minute appt scheduled.
15 min, even for a stable med check is not enough time.
whether it's a pdoc appt or my weekly psychologist
appointment, I'm always glancing at the clock (he
has two in his office, one he can see & one the patient
can see) to gauge where we're at, especially if I
have some issues I want to get to during that appt.
hb
Posted by noa on July 3, 2000, at 10:35:51
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 7:56:42
Generally the typical 15 minute medcheck, once a month, but I often go longer. Sometimes I feel a bit rushed, but often, especially when I am not doing well, he lets me take more time, but it has never gone past about 30 minutes. When in flux, he has me come in after two weeks instead of a month. The insurance pays for a 15 minute meeting no matter how long it takes.
Therapy is with someone else.
Posted by paul on July 3, 2000, at 10:41:28
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by harry b. on July 3, 2000, at 7:56:42
mine lets it take as long as it takes. he listens to me, my ideas, responses, etc. and even tells me that some of the decisions i've made are downright rational. have to watch this-cant let it become a habit-nonononono!!!! usually around 30 min's as we are still just starting out. he really wants to know whats goiung on broad-spectrum so it takes what it takes.
pcl
Posted by NikkiT on July 3, 2000, at 11:31:02
In reply to Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by shellie on July 2, 2000, at 15:03:19
15 minutes if I;'m lucky!!!! Great eh?? And this is once a month!
Posted by ray on July 3, 2000, at 12:29:31
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by Joy on July 2, 2000, at 18:38:57
Suppose to be 15 minutes every month. I take stimulant Adderall so by law I have to see him for that prescription once a month.
Believe me 15 minutes is way too much. He ask me how I'm doing, I say I'm doing fine, he writes my prescriptions while I make some idle chit-chat about something in his office. He hands me my prescriptions and the paper work needed to check out. He says "see you in a month", I say "ok", and leave, paying my $50 deductible on the way out. I bet he couldn't tell me my name without my chart in his hand.
Posted by noa on July 3, 2000, at 13:07:50
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by ray on July 3, 2000, at 12:29:31
I guess what bothers me about the typical 15 minute med follow up model, is that the one-size fits all really is inappropriate, both among different patients, and at various times if a patient has changing needs.
For ongoing maintenance when a patient is doing well, it is more than sufficient.
But for someone who is in crisis, or still not stable on a med regimen, it is obviously highly inadequate.
It should be up to the doctor and patient to determine the frequency and length of appointments, based on the needs of the patient, not based on the cookie-cutter approach of the managed care organization.
Posted by ksvt on July 3, 2000, at 16:52:05
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by noa on July 3, 2000, at 13:07:50
> I guess what bothers me about the typical 15 minute med follow up model, is that the one-size fits all really is inappropriate, both among different patients, and at various times if a patient has changing needs.
>
> For ongoing maintenance when a patient is doing well, it is more than sufficient.
>
> But for someone who is in crisis, or still not stable on a med regimen, it is obviously highly inadequate.
>
> It should be up to the doctor and patient to determine the frequency and length of appointments, based on the needs of the patient, not based on the cookie-cutter approach of the managed care organization.I think I'm very fortunate because my insurance plan is unmanaged as to mental health benefits. I see my pdoc for an hour once a year as long as things are stable meds wise. We talk on the phone about once every 2-3 months when I call up for prescription renewals. I don't get charged for these phone calls.
Posted by Joy on July 3, 2000, at 18:18:55
In reply to Re: Joy/Shellie, posted by Greg on July 2, 2000, at 19:11:48
Hi Greg,
No, I don't get to see my pdoc if I'm changing meds. I waited two days for a callback when I had medicine question and two days to get an asked for prescription for Celexa. I feel like I'm treating myself. I'm taking Adrafinil 6 days now which he doesn't know about. What's the point? I'm just trying it myself. You seem to have a good pdoc. I'm glad for you. Thank you so much for your response. BTW the HMO's have only a couple of pdocs to choose from in my area [including the next couple of towns] so it's difficult to get proper attention. I'm sure they pay very low!
Joy
Posted by Noa on July 3, 2000, at 19:02:18
In reply to Re: Joy/Shellie /pdocs average appoint time » Greg, posted by Joy on July 3, 2000, at 18:18:55
This is probably fairly typical, and most patients aren't as resourceful as you are in getting information and educating themselves. I think it is a dangerous public health situation, brought on by managed care.
I have similar problems reaching my pdoc, but I complained to him and said I cannot work with a doctor that is unreachable. He then told me to page him on his emergency pager and told me the best time of day to reach him when he isn't in session but it isn't too late. Could you talk to your doc about that?
Posted by Joy on July 3, 2000, at 19:09:01
In reply to Re: Joy/Shellie /pdocs average appoint time, posted by Noa on July 3, 2000, at 19:02:18
> Hi Noa,
I don't feel my pdoc would be agreeable to my paging him. He has many, many patients and his waiting room is always crowded. He's busy and sees as many patients as he can in an alloted time. I'm sure the non-HMO [if there is such a thing anymore]patients get more time since they pay a higher feel. I'm just doing the best I can and hope the Adrafinil helps me. Thank you.
Joy
Posted by Noa on July 3, 2000, at 19:25:51
In reply to Re: Joy/Shellie /pdocs average appoint time » Noa, posted by Joy on July 3, 2000, at 19:09:01
Mine also has zillions of patients and the full waiting room.
Posted by danf on July 3, 2000, at 20:51:16
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by ksvt on July 3, 2000, at 16:52:05
15 min ? I am usually back home by then.
more than 5 ? only when I screwup & get yelled at ( deserved most of the time ) & it is a very quiet & subdued yell.
She is nice tho, & I did know her Ex ( only in passing, not friends ), so no therapy there just meds. She knows & used to work with my Ex too.
Small towns can be, well ..... ? small.
Posted by Cindy W on July 3, 2000, at 21:14:22
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by danf on July 3, 2000, at 20:51:16
> 15 min ? I am usually back home by then.
>
> more than 5 ? only when I screwup & get yelled at ( deserved most of the time ) & it is a very quiet & subdued yell.
>
> She is nice tho, & I did know her Ex ( only in passing, not friends ), so no therapy there just meds. She knows & used to work with my Ex too.
>
> Small towns can be, well ..... ? small.I feel really fortunate, because I usually get to talk to my pdoc for 45 minutes. Since I am not seeing any other therapist, and since he is really good, I think I'm getting better. This is the first time I've ever felt like I'm in real therapy for my real problems (although I have lots of things to still work out, if I can get the courage to bring them up).
Posted by Carol on July 3, 2000, at 21:39:21
In reply to Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by shellie on July 2, 2000, at 15:03:19
I see my pdoc usually for 1/2 hour but sometimes
more. I never feel rushed. The last 4 months have
had lots of med changes and problems with that so
have been seeing her once a week with a phone call
in between if necessary. Fortunately I don't have to
worry about the cost as it is all paid for by
my medical plan.(I live in Canada). In other
communities where there are fewer doctors the
visits are once every one or two months. I feel
very lucky to have such acess to my doctor. She is
busy two working in 2 programs in 2 hospitals, has
her office one day a week and teaches at the
university.
Posted by Craig on July 4, 2000, at 1:46:00
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by ray on July 3, 2000, at 12:29:31
I see my pdoc for 15 minutes and that costs me $70. He's rated amongst the best in the state and I like him, but there's one thing that bugs me. I wish he would call me Craig, but since that's my middle name, he never remembers it and just uses what he sees on my chart. I have to fill out a Beck Depression Inventory before every visit and I always label it with Craig, but even that doesn't do any good. After more that two years, you'd think he'd call me Craig by now (his secretary does!), but I've gotten tired of reminding him at every visit. Does anybody have any creative ideas on how to jar his memory?
**********************************
I bet he couldn't tell me my name without my chart in his hand.
Posted by CarolAnn on July 4, 2000, at 9:26:44
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by Craig on July 4, 2000, at 1:46:00
Hi Craig,
I think you should be upfront with your pdoc. Next appt. just tell him exactly what's bothering you and tell him that if he forgets again, you're going to confiscate the chart and print in BIG RED LETTERS, "LIKES TO BE CALLED CRAIG!!"!!
Just(ha..!think I'm...!) being funny!!!
CarolAnn
Posted by CarolAnn on July 4, 2000, at 9:35:10
In reply to Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by shellie on July 2, 2000, at 15:03:19
shellie,
sorry I took so long to respond. I actually do, only see my pdoc for 15 minute appts. They are called "medication management" appts. and without my insurance would cost $55.00, for each, I go once a month, and pay nothing. If I want a longer 'counseling' type appt. The charge is higher and I would have to pay $50.00 of it, also I would not see the pdoc for that, I would see a 'mental health' counselor. Which I already did for two yrs, so I don't really have any "issues" left. I'm not sure if I even have the option of a psychologist, with my insurance. Thinking about looking into it though, maybe I need to be thouroughly "analyzed"!!! CarolAnn
Posted by danf on July 4, 2000, at 12:54:40
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time?, posted by Craig on July 4, 2000, at 1:46:00
craig,
This will sound like a joke but is not. next visit take a big piece of tape or a white label.
write Craig on it in big letters & just before you go in the room with him stick it on your forehead.
when you get in the room, he will ask you why ? Tell him the truth, That he never remembers your name & it irritates you. Don't make it more than that. Then take the name off.
This is just strange enough that I bet he never forgets your name again.
It is a bit of a prank, but bet it will work.
Small quirky things stimulate memory.
Posted by Cindy W on July 4, 2000, at 20:25:48
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc. craig, posted by danf on July 4, 2000, at 12:54:40
> craig,
>
> This will sound like a joke but is not. next visit take a big piece of tape or a white label.
>
> write Craig on it in big letters & just before you go in the room with him stick it on your forehead.
>
> when you get in the room, he will ask you why ? Tell him the truth, That he never remembers your name & it irritates you. Don't make it more than that. Then take the name off.
>
> This is just strange enough that I bet he never forgets your name again.
>
> It is a bit of a prank, but bet it will work.
>
> Small quirky things stimulate memory.
Craig, that's really sad, that your pdoc doesn't even know your name! i know my pdoc knows my name and would feel really bad if he didn't remember, although with so many people to keep track of, it must be hard.
Posted by Janice on July 4, 2000, at 23:45:21
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc appt time? » shellie, posted by Snowie on July 2, 2000, at 16:58:11
and do you like the new pdoc? I hope so.
Janice
Posted by Craig on July 5, 2000, at 2:17:25
In reply to Re: Just wondering,what is the average pdoc. craig, posted by danf on July 4, 2000, at 12:54:40
Thanks for the great ideas, you guys. The one about sticking a label on my forehead gave me the best laugh all day. I think I'll try it or modify it. Have you seen those labels they hand out at meetings to wear on your lapel? They say, "Hello, my name is _____ and you can write in your name an inch and a half tall. I have some of those and I may start wearing one (or maybe plaster a bunch of them all over my shirt) at every appointment. If that doesn't work, I'm going for the name on my forehead approach.
> This will sound like a joke but is not. next visit take a big piece of tape or a white label.
>
> write Craig on it in big letters & just before you go in the room with him stick it on your forehead.
>
> when you get in the room, he will ask you why ? Tell him the truth, That he never remembers your name & it irritates you. Don't make it more than that. Then take the name off.
>
> This is just strange enough that I bet he never forgets your name again.
>
> It is a bit of a prank, but bet it will work.
>
> Small quirky things stimulate memory.
Posted by Snowie on July 5, 2000, at 6:35:40
In reply to SNOWIE...is that you Snowie?, posted by Janice on July 4, 2000, at 23:45:21
Janice,
Yes, 'tis I. I found a new pdoc through Psycho-Babble! A very nice person on here (Angela), who also lives in Tampa, emailed me about her pdoc. Out of desperation, I called his office and made an appointment. So far so good. I have my second appointment on Thursday. Never underestimate the power of Psycho-Babble!!!
Snowie :-)
> and do you like the new pdoc? I hope so.
>
> Janice
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