My previous PCP--not a nephrologist-- left her practice. I was with her for three years. I did not get the letter telling me she was leaving. I found out by happenstance on social media. So I had to scramble to find a new doctor, because the one she referred me to is a long drive. There is a doctor shortage around here. So I found a new PCP and had my records transferred from my previous doctor and went to see new doctor for my initial visit. While I was there, she supposedly ordered a new prescription for me for a different condition. I told her I am Stage 3B and it has been stable for about 5 years. I was scheduled for lab work at my old doctor for the following day. New doctor said to please drop off the results of those labs at her office, which I did. But these latest results showed high protein levels, which I have never experienced because my numbers have always been stable, as I said. My GFR is around 44. I dropped off a printout of the new lab results to the new doctor's office, as she requested. The day after I dropped off the printout with the latest results, I sent her a message on my patient portal telling her I dropped off the latest results. The nurse on the patient portal responded by saying she would look for them. This was last week Tuesday, Aug 20, 2024. The new prescription has not been ordered, so yesterday--Monday--I sent another message on my patient portal asking about that, and also asking if she had had a chance to review that lab results I dropped off. My question is, how long should I wait to hear back from the new doctor? I am kind of nervous because I don't know if these high proten levels are serious, or what I should do. Thanks for any ideas/suggestions.
New PCP: My previous PCP--not a nephrologist... - Kidney Disease
New PCP
I would be concerned, your new doctor seems to lack a good bed side manner. Is there a reason you are not seeing a nephrologist? That is the first thing I would do is find a nephrologist.
My Primary has been comfortable treating my CKD because it is not that far advanced, and I was comffortable having all my medical carefromr one doctor.
I am not seeing a nephrologist because my previous doctor and I were both comfortable with having her monitor my CKD because it is not that far advanced and I prefer having my medical care treated with one provider.
Ok well it;s your choice. Sorry, your new doctor doesn't seem to care. Maybe I'm wrong, but from what you have said it sounds that way. I assume nephrologists are also few and far between. I have zero suggestions. I understand wanting to keep everything with one doctor, but there are specialists for a reason. No disrespect intended in that comment. I hope and pray your able to get some answers and maybe things will work out. Best of luck to you.
I don't know where she lives, but in the states you don't get a nephrologist until I lu are stage 4
That's not true. I live in the US and I had a neph at 3A-B. I think here it is more what your insurance says.
Well maybe things have changed since I was diagnosed over 20 years ago, but they didn't play when it came to your health. I guess I was lucky
How long a drive to get to the doctor your former doctor recommended?
Sounds like you are off to a bad start with the one you are currently going to. There is no excuse for not reviewing your bloodwork and calling in your prescription. When you are using the portal is there some kind of message saying they will get back to you within 24-48 hours?
Does your insurance allow for you to choose a nephrologist without getting a referral from your PCP? If so, you might want to consider doing that.
I can go to any provider I want without getting a referral or recommendation. The doctor my previous caregiver referred me to is about a thirty-minute drive on a major highway, so, heavy traffic, and I am 77 years old. The portal, obviously, gives no time frame for when they will respond; if I had such a message, I would not have been anxious. Thanks for your response.
Sounds like both the doctor and the office staff are disorganized. Suggest to find a new primary doctor and a nephrologist. Both are important to your health
Gee, did you not see the part about how there is a doctor shortage here?
I would call. I know they often prefer the portal, but phone calls get attention!
See? And I was gonna say, "The squeeky wheel gets the grease." Call. Then, call tomorrow, and the next day, until you get the answers you're looking for.
Speaking as a nurse. I totally agree with this and is what I do
I think you need to call the doctor's office, an abnormal result on a lab value may need for her to order a repeat lab. I only needed to see my nephrologist once or twice a year when I was first diagnosed with kidney disease, but had routine labs.
Thanks all for your kind replies. I have all I need now. God Bless you all.
You probably need to request to have your urine tested for protein if you haven’t already. Leaking protein in your urine is a sign of your kidney function deteriorating and then other labs like potassium go out of whack too effecting your diet too. Good luck
Let us know know it works out. 😀
And they wonder why we have white coat syndrome
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