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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 2:21:10
I feel kind of stupid posting about this but it's bothering me, so here goes. The last two times I've tried to contact my pdoc she hasn't called me back. She's always been really good about this. I live 2 1/2 hrs away, and I don't see her very often. I called about a month ago and left a message with her answering service that I had to increase my meds, and wanted to discuss it, and she never called back. Today I called and left a message with her receptionist that I wanted to see if I could get in for an appointment this friday, as I was planning to be in town. I left my number, and the hours I would be available today, and she didn't return my call. Usually she gets the message from the receptionist and calls back within the hour. I'm trying to decide if I should try again tomorrow, or not. I would like to see her, but I'm not having any major problems. I was hoping I could simply see her and talk over some long term plans. Am I just being too sensitive? Do you think she isn't calling back for a specific reason?
cole
Posted by julesvox on May 2, 2001, at 11:04:08
In reply to pdoc ignoring me?, posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 2:21:10
it is totally unethical for her not to call you back! it doesn't matter how 'serious' things are for you--most legal/ethical codes stipulate that she has to call you back and refer you to someone else if she can't see you. you're not being too sensitive. j.
Posted by mila on May 2, 2001, at 12:04:28
In reply to pdoc ignoring me?, posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 2:21:10
sure, there is a specific reason for everything. However, I would rather think that she is ignoring her professional responsibilities before jumping into 'she ignores me' thinking. If she's been good before, this most likely means she is up to her ears with something else, this is rather sad. Be kind, if possible, we are the 'patient' ones here, anyway. You could gently let her or her receptionist know that you are reaching the limits of your patience, here :)
mila
Posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 23:54:56
In reply to Re:cole, posted by mila on May 2, 2001, at 12:04:28
She actually tried calling me twice today, but I had left a message yesterday stating the hours I was to be available yesterday, and she called during that time today and I was gone. She left a message, sounded a bit annoyed, but it could just be me, and said that she was going to be out of the office friday but was willing to help if I needed a script or would try to arrange something if I was having problems. I called and left another message with the answering service to let her know I'd be home until 4:30, and then she called at 6:10 and I was gone again. Frustrating!! So I called back and left a message with the professional answering service that I wasn't calling about anything urgent, so she doesn't get worried/annoyed. I guess I'll try calling tomorrow when she's in the office to see if she can spend a few minutes discussing the med questions that I have. Thanks for reassuring me, I get stressed and get really rejection sensitive.
cole
Posted by Noa on May 3, 2001, at 15:56:04
In reply to Re:cole, posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 23:54:56
frustrating.
Do you see a pdoc so far away because you are in a remote area?
I guess I have read a number of accounts here by people who have to travel far to get the care they need. sure sounds like an issue for people in rural areas. Sounds like a study waiting to happen.
Posted by cole on May 4, 2001, at 1:59:23
In reply to Re:cole--long distance care, posted by Noa on May 3, 2001, at 15:56:04
Actually I live in a big city, but I found this pdoc when living in another large city about 150 miles south of here, and I liked her so much I decided to stick with her after moving. My boyfriend still lives down there, so I try to see my doc, get my hair cut at my favorite salon, and hang out with my b/f all in one weekend :)
I had such a bad pdoc all through HS and college, I'd hop on a plane to see this woman. She has her MD and PhD in neuroscience, and she's freaking brilliant. She also listens to my ideas about med changes, and is probably my biggest supporter for my decision to apply to med school.
Anyways, she actually called me at 10:30 last night, I guess she figured that would be the only time she could catch me :) I got to ask my questions, and she was supportive as usual. I think I've been a bit sensitive this week, school has been really hard lately.
I agree that there are very few good pdocs in rural areas, but if all goes well I'll probably be one of those few. My boyfriend is a small town kind of guy, and he's deadset on dragging me out into the middle of nowhere.
cole
Posted by kazoo on May 5, 2001, at 23:55:16
In reply to pdoc ignoring me?, posted by cole on May 2, 2001, at 2:21:10
> I feel kind of stupid posting about this but it's bothering me, so here goes. The last two times I've tried to contact my pdoc she hasn't called me back. She's always been really good about this. I live 2 1/2 hrs away, and I don't see her very often. I called about a month ago and left a message with her answering service that I had to increase my meds, and wanted to discuss it, and she never called back. Today I called and left a message with her receptionist that I wanted to see if I could get in for an appointment this friday, as I was planning to be in town. I left my number, and the hours I would be available today, and she didn't return my call. Usually she gets the message from the receptionist and calls back within the hour. I'm trying to decide if I should try again tomorrow, or not. I would like to see her, but I'm not having any major problems. I was hoping I could simply see her and talk over some long term plans. Am I just being too sensitive? Do you think she isn't calling back for a specific reason?
> coleDear Cole:
The next time you call your doctor, and must resort to their answering service, tell them that it's an emergency. If the answering service personnel want to know the nature of the emergency, tell them that it's a personal matter that only the doctor can handle. Then stay by the phone. If you don't hear from your doctor (or any qualified, authorized assistant) within the next 10 minutes, then find yourself a new doctor. This one isn't worth shit to a tree.
Remember: you are the patient, they are the professional ... this is more than just an implied social contract. And this doctor knows this, or should know this. If they don't know this, then it's certainly NOT up to you to education them. Find another, and tell them why. You'll be doing them a favor, and also to their other patients, one of whom just may be in the process of committing suicide, but put on "hold."
(a merciless) kazoo
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