Hi Thomas,
Those are great points. I had written down my concern and had a friend in the room when I think I need a second ear (s). With my current hepatologist I do not feel rushed when I see him. I actually feel rushed when I see my primary care provider. I think it is important for us to advocate for our own health. I had an hepatologist from the same hospital and she was really bad. It takes her sometimes 3 months long and me calling her office many times to get my lab results. I drive about an hour to a train station, catch a train (30-45 minutes) and catch a bus (30-60 minutes) to get to her office and it felt like I was never listened to. When I try talking to her about my concerns it just felt like I was talking to a tree. At some point I was like enough, so I found another hepatologist from the same hospital and what a difference. I have never had issues with him since 2015 when I saw him first. We work together as a team. He listens to my concerns and addresses them accordingly when possible. Oh, he is not worried to say he does not know something if that was the case and I respect that. I don’t feel like I am talking to a tree or a wall. Another advantage is I use the patient portal very well. There are visit summaries, tests ordered and results, appointments and reminders. I can email my hepatologist anytime if I have a question or concern and I will get a response within 1-3 days. I remember when I saw him the first time he asked me what happened? He could see from my chart that I was seeing one of his colleagues. I said yes, he is right. She was one of the worst doctors I have ever seen. Then I mentioned to him that I needed a doctor who is proactive when it comes to my health. So we kind of established what I was looking for from my hepatologist and that actually has helped build a professional relationship. I know it is impossible for everyone to find a good hepatologist that cares and listens, but we can advocate for ourselves. There is nothing wrong in finding someone else. If your hepatologist office has an effective patient portal use it. Everything he talks to you about will be there if you need a refresher. Thanks, Bright.
2 Likes