Medical Care

My PCP is a nurse practitioner in whom I have absolute confidence. She has never hesitated to check with her supervising physician if she is unsure of something, she is practical, concerned about cost of medications and treatment, and not replicating costs by adding extra visits.  

A few years ago, because I have high blood pressure and a family history of heart problems, she referred me to a cardiologist, whom I initially liked.  I became a little disenchanted with him when he sent me for a carotid artery scan, and then not only did not contact me with the results, did not respond, nor did anyone in his office respond, when I called to ask about the results.  Well, that lead me to believe that there was no problem, and when I saw my PCP next, she told me the results were something she did not think she had ever seen before: 0-15% blockage.  When she told me this, I thought the cardiologist probably ordered a test I did not need.  

I asked the PCP what other tests I should expect from the cardiologist, and she said basically, none, given my labs and other results.  And, she was right.  The cardiologist not only has not ordered anything else, but has relegated me to the care of his nurse practitioner, which tells me I am there only for maintenance, not treatment.  Originally, the cardiologist wanted to see me every three months, but I objected, because that would put me seeing both the cardiologist and my PCP during the same month twice a year, so I changed that. 

So, I saw the cardiologist nurse practitioner last in January.  And this week, I received an explanation of benefits from the insurance company that my appointment was not covered, because they billed for the wrong diagnosis.  When I called the insurance company, they informed me that the bill had been resubmitted with the correct diagnosis, and took my explanation of the reason for the visit, which the representative said fit with the rebilling and would be considered when the bill was resubmitted. I have to say, this did not instill confidence in me regarding the support staff in my cardiologists office.  So, my confidence in this service has continued to diminish.

I have a cardiology appointment in July. I am tempted to cancel it, and just ask for an appointment in January, when they can renew a medication. I don't know, I will probably keep the appointment in July, and  If there is nothing new, I will be content to see the cardiologist again in January, when they need to renew one of my medications.  And, then, I will ask to change appointments to once a year, unless something has changed. 

I hate going to the doctor.  I am having health problems, and I recognize that, but I do not feel the cardiologist is particularly responsive to me.

The PCP, on the other hand, is sharp. In my well check in April, she asked about joint pain, and when I described my joint pain, she did a blood test that detected uric acid (or something) in my system that lead her to believe I am prone to attacks of gouty arthritis.  She added a medication, and it has helped to relieve some of the burning joint pain in my feet and ankles.  It does not last 24 hours, so I am thinking I should change it to the morning, and it can wear off at night while I am asleep.   Hmmm.