Just trying to get a drs appointment! - Page 4

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

Honestly, it should never get to that point.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@Trailrun23 wrote:
I need to get an appt with my ENT for a serious situation. I won't bore anyone with the details...but I really, really need to see him asap...have been trying for a week to speak to his nurse...I leave messages and request for a call back...crickets. Called again first thing this morning...was told when and if the dr gets my records , (which I was already told they have in their office) and if he wants to see me, they will call me on Thursday or Friday. It will be late August for his first open time since he is in surgery most of the time. Going to the ER is not an option and he is the one who performed my rare surgery and who my other drs who were involved in the surgery said to see. They can't even get into to ask for my appt.
Any suggestions? Another ENT won't be able to address the problem.

@Trailrun23

I haven't read the whole thread, so sorry if this is redundant.

From what I can see, you have two choices.

First, go over to their office, tell the receptionist it's urgent and you aren't leaving until you talk to someone. Be very firm. ***

Second, assume this MD isn't reliable, and you need to set up a Plan B doctor. If your specialist walked across the street and got hit by a bus, you'd have to make do with someone else.

*** Oh ... and while you're at the office, ask for a copy of your medical records. You should have them, from the sound of things.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

in some places, specialists are scarce. There are so many patients and only so many hours in the day, I suppose they must ration their time and see the sickest people in the time they have.

There are some specialities where we only have one doctor in the State of New Mexico.

If I was desperate, I'd write the doctor a letter and mark the envelop r "Personal & Confidential"

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

ManyMeows · ‎01-11-2014

🤔 Sounds like you need a new Doctor to asses the situation, and give you an honest evaluation.

After my Mom had cataract surgery, she was unable to see out of that eye. The eye was literally filling with blood, and the Doctor was having her come into the office every few days to drain the blood. Gross, yes! And made no sense.

After a month of this Doctor screwing around, the Doctor's receptionist took my Mom aside and gave her a card with the name and phone number of a specialist. Turns out that the doctor who did her surgery nicked a blood vessel, and never bothered to mention it. His excuse was that "these things usually heal on their own."

The new Doc, through a series of treatments, was able to repair some of the damage, but she now only has partial vision in that eye.

If something doesn't feel right, by all means, seek a second opinion. Its you life we're talking about!

DrKelli · ‎03-10-2010

@granddi This hearing loss was actually in my 'good' ear. Now I wear 2 hearing aids. I wore one for about 8 years and then had this happen.

Toppers3 · ‎10-25-2016

@Trailrun23 wrote:
I need to get an appt with my ENT for a serious situation. I won't bore anyone with the details...but I really, really need to see him asap...have been trying for a week to speak to his nurse...I leave messages and request for a call back...crickets. Called again first thing this morning...was told when and if the dr gets my records , (which I was already told they have in their office) and if he wants to see me, they will call me on Thursday or Friday. It will be late August for his first open time since he is in surgery most of the time. Going to the ER is not an option and he is the one who performed my rare surgery and who my other drs who were involved in the surgery said to see. They can't even get into to ask for my appt.
Any suggestions? Another ENT won't be able to address the problem.

Do you use the patient portal that is available for use for messaging doctors offices, checking test results, etc.

My husband and I have used the patient portal when we have had difficulty trying to contact a doctor's office by phone--when no one from the office calls back when there's a problem regarding an appointment, etc.

We've had better lresults using the portal than trying to get through by phone.

As another option, I would also recommend going in to your specialist's office like others have recommended here, and request an appointment that way, if you can't seem to get through to them any other way or they don't call you back.

granddi · ‎03-16-2010

@DrKelli wrote:
@granddi This hearing loss was actually in my 'good' ear. Now I wear 2 hearing aids. I wore one for about 8 years and then had this happen.

This is an example of the value of private messaging availability.

I don't want to hijack a topic. I have single sided hearing loss.

1Snickers · ‎03-19-2016

I would go to the Drs office in person and talk to them, Ask to be seen ASAP even if it's in the waiting room with other people where they can hear you.
Ask to be on a cancellation list to be called. Ask to speak to his nurse. Try everyday if needed.

colleena · ‎03-27-2010

@Trailrun23 Sorry your going through this & hoping your able to figure out a way to get the appointment w/your needed doctor.

Jo1313 · ‎02-02-2021

Last month I needed to have a tooth pulled..I was in a lot of pain(my dentist retired)..Called 5 dentists and 1 oral surgeon in the surrounding towns and was told "we aren't taking new patients" try in Dec.!

Finally found 1 that took pity on me and he pulled it later the same day..

1st. question: insurance or cash?..I guess he took me because I paid cash!

Doctors are just as bad.