Wellness

[candys mine]

Hope all is well.  Even if they do call with a reminder to Make an appointment,  finding an appointment slot may push it out by months.  Make the appointment now and they'll most likely call with That reminder.  This way you have more control over things.

[VaBelle35]

Now that doctors have to have everything electronic, many of the larger practices, usually those associated with a health/hospital network, have patient portals that are programmed with wellness reminders. 

But I've found the wellness reminders to be inconsistent.  It may have to do with doctors changing practices or changing their online portals.  But I don't rely on any office to call me with results of my tests, let alone any follow up information.  I have been burned by not getting the follow up information or test results automatically.  So I write notes in my phone when I'm with the doctor and I follow up on everything, including making follow up appointments.  Usually if you need a follow up, the doctor writes it on the chart and they ask you to make it before you leave when you are checking out.

[NYC Susan]

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@candys mine wrote:

Hope all is well.  Even if they do call with a reminder to Make an appointment,  finding an appointment slot may push it out by months.  Make the appointment now and they'll most likely call with That reminder.  This way you have more control over things.

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I agree.  I would much rather call well in advance and be offered a variety of possible appointment times during the required timeframe.  That's far preferable to having to wait because the doctor is fully booked, on vacation, whatever.  And it's far better than having to take an appointment that doesn't work well with my own schedule.

The way I see it, no one cares more about my health than I do, so I'm always pro-active.  Some of my doctors send reminders, but nearly every time I receive one, I've already scheduled the appointment.  It's easy enough to do!

[software]

Once you have a colonoscopy with a diagnosis, polyps to cancer, it is the responsibility of your doctor to remind you.    Mine does.    I'm reminded about several regular tests, such as a mammography. 

But these are just reminders, I'm expected to make the appointment.

Your doctor doesn't know your schedule.

@CrazyKittyLvr2 

[Financialgrl]

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@CrazyKittyLvr2 wrote:

Before I bang my head on a wall please give your opinion on the following: DH had a colostomy in fall of 2015 due to cancer diagnosis.  In Oct. of 2016 he had a colonoscopy to make sure all was good.  Dr. (his surgeon)  was happy and said we'll see you in 3 yrs. for another colonoscopy. Now he's due in Oct. of this year and I said we'll have to call for an appointment.  DH says they will contact us.  I have never had a Dr. call me every year and say it's time for a check-up. This dr. works at a huge hospital with who knows how many patients. I'm sure his office doesn't have the time to track and call hundreds of patients and remember they need this or that.  Make it ourselves or wait for them as  DH thinks? 

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I battled cancer in 2011/2012.  Most of my after cancer doctors don't send reminders.  I'm due for my Prolia shot in July.  In the past I'd call and they'd complain that I'd waited too long and therefore now would be a longer delay than 6 months in between the shots bc I'd not called early enough. 

Been calling for a month now  bc I'm due in 2 months and they tell me that they don't have their July appointment calenders ready yet - call back early June. I'll go off if they say I should've called earlier!  

[twentysixteen]

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@NYC Susan wrote:

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@candys mine wrote:

Hope all is well.  Even if they do call with a reminder to Make an appointment,  finding an appointment slot may push it out by months.  Make the appointment now and they'll most likely call with That reminder.  This way you have more control over things.

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I agree.  I would much rather call well in advance and be offered a variety of possible appointment times during the required timeframe.  That's far preferable to having to wait because the doctor is fully booked, on vacation, whatever.  And it's far better than having to take an appointment that doesn't work well with my own schedule.

The way I see it, no one cares more about my health than I do, so I'm always pro-active.  Some of my doctors send reminders, but nearly every time I receive one, I've already scheduled the appointment.  It's easy enough to do!

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ITA @NYC Susan @candys mine.