I recieved the medical packet from the Rheumy. There was a letter attached, telling me that i will be seeing one of his PA's.. I have waited for months for this appt and now i'm finding out that i wont get to see the Dr.. Is this normal for first time visit? I have had medical problems for over 5 years, been to many many Drs and still no real Dx. And i feel he was my real hope. It is so discouraging to me !! Has anyone else had this experience and disappointment?
Well thank you HMOs. I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. But yes this is pretty common. It's difficult to find a doctor that will pay attention, especially a specialist which are in high demand. However, you might find that the PA can be more helpful and involved in learning more about what your diagnosis is so that they can help you. I was handed off to a PA by a doctor at one time and she was wonderful. I felt more comfortable going to her than the DR.
Good luck and just know that you're not alone. If the PA doesn't work out, try another doc.
Countrygal, I am so sorry you were disappointed. I do know that rheumatologist's are getting rarer. I was very fortunate to see mine in person after a long wait. Do not write off the PA until you have seen him/her. As a medical transcriptionist I always enjoyed typing for PA as they were much more thorough with patient than a regular doctor and used to laugh because I do not think they missed a freckle on patient. I am sure that rheumatologist confers with PA periodically. Best of luck and please keep us informed of what happens during your appointment. (TT)
Thanks for the replies, taurus3 and typingterror. I realy hope i can find help , even if it is with the PA. I have to think positive!!!!!! Good Health to U both...
I have been filling out my packet and boy i sure sound like a weirdo! LOL If i feel like all this info is (too much to believe) then what will they think about me??? Then today while i was out, i got a call from the rheumy, wanting to change my appt date. I guess they think, if i waited this long, then i could wait alittle longer. I am beginning to wonder if i will ever get in to see one. But i wonder, if it takes so long to get in to one, then how can it be so easy for them to change appts? It sure would have been better if it had been for a earlier appt instead of later... Sorry just needed to vent....
No, I haven't had that experience and would not put up with it.
Personally, I don't believe in PAs and would refuse to see one unless I had worked with the doctor for a year or so and had a solid diagnosis.
I like having interns, though. They seem to listen more and then when they have to go in to check with the doc about the visit, they usally give their opinion and come back in to really help. That's been my experience.
I just talked to the Dr office about new appt. I asked about the reason for the change. And was told that the PA had to be gone that day. So i asked about a different time (10:30) cuz i live 1:30 minutes away, and was told that was the only time they had for that day. It is so hard for me to get up and around. So i am hoping for a good morning but now i am afraid i will have dead head and not be at my best to ask all my ?'s and be able to describe my problems (afraid i will forget something). All my medical info already makes me seem like a weirdo and now i have to worry about looking like one too. Then i asked if i would at least be able to meet the Dr. and i was assured that i would and he would be in and out during any visit that i have. I sure hope i can find some help there. I was so looking forward to this appt and maybe finally i would get some answers and help...
You'll get answers and help. I always like to look at the positive side of things.
Don't worry about being a 'deadhead' when you go for the visit. During my last visit to the rheumatologist I was in pretty bad shape. It was about the second time (other than my initial visit) that he saw me like that. I was really dragging and could hardly remember what I wanted to say, but did memorize it before I went. He's good in that he asks questions and I don't have to talk as much.
I really hope this all works out for you and I hope you get the doctor of your choice and not someone assigned to you. Either/Or you'll make the best of it and I'm hoping you get some matters cleared up. It's so much better for the head to know someone is on the same wavelength with you.
Recieved medical packet?? 
