Guess I Just Don't Qualify....

[Guest guest]

for a return phone call from my " new " GI doc who is performing the

colonoscopy. This is the second time, I've had to leave a msg and

no-one return the phone call. They KNOW (as I've repeatedly told

them my symptoms) that I need someone to call me back and well,

let's see, at least provide some reassurance that they got the

message, blah, blah, blah. Sorry for venting guys, but this is just

sub-standard care if you ask me. Do you think I should call my

health care provider (Blue Cross) and/or the AMA and ask to speak to

someone in a position of authority to register a complaint? I've

got some odd new symptoms that I wanted to ask them about....such as

itching, some joint pain in my knees, EXTREME fatigue, diarrhea

(which is new for me), etc. What do you think?

thanks

[Guest guest]

I am wondering if there is an office manager or someone in

authority over the group that your doctor practices in? If he is part

of a hospital, you can call its risk management / patient

complaint advocate and lay it on the line - then follow-up with a

written statement. In addition I would send a letter to the doc as

a followup to your phone message - fax it soon after you leave a

message as a confirmation that you called and re-iterating /

outlining your concerns. Alot of time, a written letter gets more

response because that has to go into a patient's chart and that

forces some kind of response - usually but it is not a guarantee.

Sometimes, too, it is the office staff that is responsible for

blowing you off and not the doctor and when a written letter is

sent, it can by-pass the staff.

I hope these ideas help.

Laurie