Don’t call us we’ll call you. | Arthritis Information

 

I realize that drs probably see 50-100 patients a day(give or take depending on the doc) so I can understand the logic to only calling when something looks 'off'.

 

However I am the type to want to know what my numbers are, how my xrays looked etc, and always call back regardless.

 

What about you, do you call them if you don't hear back from them w/in a week or more?

I was told last wed that the dr will only call if he wants me to repeat a test or to tell me I have x,y,or z. The waiting is driving me crazy. Also I'd hate to get bad news right before the weekend. I probably won't know anything until fri. I don't too much care about the inflamation bloodwork as I took those tests few weeks ago and they came back normal. I'm more concerend with the anti-ccp and my xray.

newbb39321.4171643518I get a copy of my lab results sent to my home by the lab (they also send a copies to my docs). Do you have that service available where you live? I'd call and be honest - you are very anxious. A nurse should be able to give the results - it does not have to take any of the drs. time.

Things have definitely slipped through the cracks with us on the "we'll call you" front. You have a right to your medical records.

I've seen some people post that the practices they use have a system they can access to view results. Wouldn't that be wonderful!!! And if you were seeing your GP or another specialist, they would easily have access to anything they needed, too.   Me too Gimpy.  And I get my blood work done a week before my appointment, so the results are in front of him when I get there.I always call, get my results and when I go in for my next appt. I get copies of the most recent tests.  LindyHi, I'd call the office, say what you've told us (about wanting the results, being anxious, etc.) You get to control your own body and how they respond to you is important!!Stress cna add to your discomfort.  If possible, get the name of one nurse you like or have talked with before and ask for her/him! Then you have a someone to help you in your quest to find out the results of the test. My doc hardly ever calls me himself (when I was very sick once he did), but he does have others call me.  sometimes they don't and then I call and say 'did I MISS your call???"  good luck with this  is one of the hardest parts of having this disease the dealing with all the medical variables, diff meds, expensive treatment (mine costs 00 to ,000 per month! (I was paying 0, now down to with medicare and blue cross and after my deductable was used up! ) Lynda

My current doctor always sends a note after my labs. More times than not everythings fine....but I still get a note.

I'm VERY friendly with my RD's nurse. I ask about her kids.....her health.....bla, bla, bla. We talk for 5 minutes everytime I'm in. I've noticed when I call and ask for her she ALWAYS calls me back quickly. Not sure if it's because we're on friendly terms or not; but I appreciate the fast attention when I need something. Make a point to be remembered by your nurse. She's the best friend you can have in that office. They are always more helpful than the doctor in the callin situation.

You have every right to know your results. Don't feel bad about that.

My rheumy sends a copy in the mail with a note saying all is okay, or not and writes that I can call if I have any questions.

I'd ask if they can do that for the next time, if it is really bothering you, call his nurse.

Thanks. I'm more curious than bothered. I called tday and the receptionist said my b.work did come back, and if something was wrong the nurse would have called me. I gave  her my number and told her to have the nurse call me regardless. [QUOTE=newbb]Thanks. I'm more curious than bothered. I called tday and the receptionist said my b.work did come back, and if something was wrong the nurse would have called me. I gave  her my number and told her to have the nurse call me regardless.[/QUOTE]

You have a right to your paperwork... they work for YOU, not the other way around!

I have become a more interested patient since joining here. I asked about getting a copy of my record to date and was told that they would pass info to RD but that they thought it would be per page. Sounds kind of steep to me?
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