How long would you wait?

ellaphant · ‎12-13-2010

My thyroid sonogram and biopsy results were sent to an Endocrinologist by my Internist on 9/14. Still, no call for an appointment. The results were not terrible ( cells are undetermined) but still a 20% - 40% chance of Cancer though most nodules are benign. I am concerned. My doctor told me to be patient. How long would you wait before reaching out to another Endocrinologist?

tends2dogs · ‎05-08-2010

Knowing how nerve wracking this is, @ellaphant , I am afraid that you wouldn't get in any sooner with another specialist. We have been waiting close to 2 months to see a pulmonary doc and oncologist for my DH after going to the ER in July! His primary even put a stat on it. Needless to say, my DH is beside himself waiting.

Hopefully, your internist saw nothing on your test results to feel alarmed about. I know that doesn't help matters.

I hope you hear from someone tomorrow!

Fear not Brothers and Sisters! I have read THE BOOK..........we win!!!

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

I'd wait 7 or 8 business days and then I'd reach out to them re the appointment.

DrakesMomma · ‎06-02-2010

Does this provider have a patient portal that you might be able to see the lab results?

But, having been where you are if they haven't called by now perhaps it will be ok news. 21 years ago I had surgery, a follow up appointment for 10 days out and the surgeon's office called two days later "needing" me to come in. It was cancer.

Hoping no news is ok news for you

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@ellaphant how long I would wait would vary from one area to another. Several years ago, I got recommendations for several endocrinologists. The first group I called had 25 on staff and the wait for new patients was 4 months. I tried the other group only to find out the wait for a new patient appointment was 7 months. Where I am now, the wait is less but still a whole month.

Unless your doctor is very concerned that you be seen immmediately 5 days seems premature to move on to another practice.

ellaphant · ‎12-13-2010

@DrakesMomma wrote:
Does this provider have a patient portal that you might be able to see the lab results?

But, having been where you are if they haven't called by now perhaps it will be ok news. 21 years ago I had surgery, a follow up appointment for 10 days out and the surgeon's office called two days later "needing" me to come in. It was cancer.

Hoping no news is ok news for you

I know my results. The tests were concerning. Larger than normal nodule. Cell type undetermined Cancer chances 20- 40%.

Glittergal · ‎05-12-2010

I would give them a little more time. I also have thyroid nodules with one being quite large. I also went through a biopsy (it was quite painful). It's very nerve wracking to wait. Wishing you all the best going forward.

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

When I have the thought to change doctors, I always ask myself if the new doc would be any different.

I had an MRI of the skull and was terified that I had a tumor. I waited 5 days like I was told to do. I finally went to the imaging center and got a copy of my report and disc. The report said blah, blah, negative for pathologies....I never got a call from the ordering doc or never posted on electronic records. I gave it to my PCP for my official record.

Funny thing, when I picked up the report, the receptionist said "your doc had this faxed to him at 4pm."...my test was at noon of the same day. Waiting for any test result is agonizing.

Trinity11 · ‎11-16-2014

@ellaphant wrote:
My thyroid sonogram and biopsy results were sent to an Endocrinologist by my Internist 5 days ago. Still, no call for an appointment. The results were not terrible ( cells are undetermined) but still a 20% - 40% chance of Cancer though most nodules are benign. I am concerned. My doctor told me to be patient. How long would you wait before reaching out to another Endocrinologist?

Honestly, @ellaphant , when it comes to medical issues I learned many years ago the squeaky wheel gets oiled. The person who acts swiftly and refuses to take no for an answer gets service. Being aggressive but polite works!

I would call the endo's office myself, express urgency and I would not wait for them to initiate the call. If they brush you off, I would find another endo.

Please let us know how it works out. Praying for a positive outcome.

kitcat51 · ‎09-15-2016

I've found that most appts have to be patient driven, communication between Dr offices is poor & that goes for calling in prescriptions & insurance claims too. I would call tomorrow morning & get things going...don't wait for them @ellaphant. I tore my meniscus in May & after endless primary Dr visits, xray, MRI, an Urgent Care visit I'm finally going to see an Orthopedic surgeon next week...my knee has already healed but my Dr still wants me to go, Hey, what's another big bill from all this hurry up & wait nonsense. Ugh