They ask a lot of questions

[KimChat]

My neurologist ‘s office (which is the Cleveland Clinic in Las Vegas) asks a lot of questions and they do a lot of testing before each and every visit and before you see the doctor. But the doctor never really follows up with you regarding all that information. It does go straight to your chart and she does see it but she never mentions it to me unless I ask. I think that would be the first topic of the visit... how your testing looked today compared to previous dates...yeah?? Don’t get me wrong she is a MS specialist and the Director of our program and on the top of her game. She will refer out appropriately (especially because all of the ancillary services are right there at the clinic) but she is not an information giver. You have to ask for what you want to know. Good thing I am my own strong advocate, very involved in my care planning and well informed regarding my diagnosis. Oh and don’t have any filters when it comes to speaking up. However for someone else that type of physician communication may not serve the patient well because they just won’t know what is going on. They will just be following along.

So I guess the moral of the post is doctor/patient communication. For the most part I don’t think it is is good.... probably fair. Some have nurses and other extenders to help with that. But in all fairness to the docs there are such time restraints put on them. They don’t have time for the chit chat.

Going to the doctor just isn’t what it used to be!!

[Jesmcd2 CommunityAmbassador]

How true is that KimChat !! There is never enough time for Dr and patient! Not to mention keeping people straight in there head!

Have you found a way to keep your questions straight?

Do you write them down or keep them in your phone?

Proud of you for being your own advocate!l! 🤗💕

J🦈

[KimChat in reply to Jesmcd2]

I write them down for all doctors

[lbenmaor in reply to KimChat]

I do the same thing.

Best Wishes,

Leslie

[rjoneslaw]

I have had the opposite my doctors spend time with me they explain everything and even ask me questions. I have even emailed questions and either got a phone call or a detailed email.

I just I am lucky to have found them

[KimChat in reply to rjoneslaw]

Yes you are! I am so happy you have found good doctors to care for you. That cuts a lot of stress off.

[anaishunter]

So true. I always try to avoid the Chit Chat with the neuro. I'd like to have a nice conversation but their time is so precious that I tried to come as prepared as possible. Recapping your symptoms of the past 6 months on the spot, in front of the neuro is not the best way to do it.

What I've done is track what I think is significant and the night before my neuro visit I send a summary to the doctor through the patient portal. I also print a copy to take with me.

Then I don't forget anything and it's in the system for the record, future doctors or other.

[Iona60 in reply to anaishunter]

That's a great idea.

[RoyceNewton]

cleveland clinic in Vegas, I did not know that will have to look into that when I get home. Are doctors actually trained to be communicators. Mine has issues as well but we know each other for so long I do not really think there is a lot to communicate thankfully.

[KimChat in reply to RoyceNewton]

Yep. Really nice facility. Great doctors

[RoyceNewton in reply to KimChat]

thanks

[Iona60]

My experience with the Mayo clinic is that the doctors are top notch in diagnosing but the after care is cold and clinical. I left and found an MS specialist that is kind, caring, and listens to me.

[KimChat in reply to Iona60]

👍 awesome

[IFwczs]

My neuro is always detailed when I ask him something. He is top notch but old school. If I don't ask, he doesn't tell me anything.

[KimChat in reply to IFwczs]

Yep same here

[rjoneslaw]

Well said.

All of my doctors are great at communication but I have reached my breaking point with my PCP. I have no clue when she decided to derail and make dealing with her so difficult.

I had to hang on to her because I had outstanding orders and I was told to hold on to her til they were completed. Just when I think I can walk away I'm pulled back in.

I plan to call her office in the morning and asked to be switch to another doctor in her office.

[KimChat]

Oh gosh! Hate when you got to change doctors. But it is like finding the right employee for the job right? They work for us not the other way around!

[mrsmike9]

I am glad you are able to self advocate! That is a good thing to be able to do and not everyone can. Good for you!

[JTZES]

It's great that you're confident enough to ask questions.

There is a website called My MS Manager. It will help you remember things that you want follow up on.

If the hospital you go to uses Epic software for their charting system they should have My Chart which I would highly recommend you set up an account. All test results are sent directly to you. Based on that information you will know what results your Dr. should be talking to you about.