Would you get a new doctor ?

Question

So I had received some concerning blood test results and I wasn’t exactly sure what they meant so I called my doctor to get some insight and he never called me back. I called early in the morning and then a nurse called me back saying doctor will look at results and get back to me this evening. By 330 he never called so I called back. They said Mondays are busy and he was on call that day. But he would call me after hours. He never called. I was left with extreme anxiety all night. Do you think it was very professional for him to just forget about me like that it should I take into consideration that he could have been really busy?

Answer

If your result was absolutely critical, the lab would have notified a provider immediately and I’m almost certain you would have been notified with instructions shortly thereafter. But if it’s not something life-threatening or that would pose an imminent risk, it’s possible that you’re on his list to be phoned, but that he has emergencies and other appointments to attend to before getting back to you. This is why I hate that they release results to patients *before* reviewing them and counseling the patients appropriately if needed. Now, if you find out it’s something life-threatening that needed immediate addressing (like a hemoglobin less than 6.5 or a potassium higher than 6.0) and you weren’t notified and treated immediately, that’s different. But abnormal and critical results are two different things and unfortunately, providers are very busy and need to prioritize accordingly.

Answer

This sucks, but it happens all the time, especially with busy practices. There could be a lot at play here. They may be extremely busy and/or understaffed, which makes it more difficult to get back with patients in a timely manner.. also, messages can fall through the cracks sometimes. He could have also had a family emergency or event that kept him away. Yes, it sucks, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care. I wouldn’t jump the gun and start looking for another Doctor just because he failed to call you one time. Just give them another call this morning and let them know you really need to talk to him today to help ease some of your anxiety.

Answer

OBs get called out all the time, sometimes the end up with multiple overnight deliveries, and Mondays were always the worst at my office as well from over the weekend urgent calls. I wouldnt get a new dr, personally.

Answer

It sounds like it wasn’t that important and was last on his list of things to do. Offices have to provide results now before the doctors even see it which means there were multiple other patients doing the same thing as you because they don’t understand the results. It’s been a day. Google your results online and you’ll find the answer.

Answer

I work in healthcare and yes I am sure that you are concerned. A physician or team has 48 hours to respond to you for a medical question non-urgent concern. I can almost promise you that they looked at your concern and determined that it was not detrimental and will address your concerns when they can. I wish more people would understand that healthcare workers are extremely understaffed right now. Please also remember that some woman may be having an ectopic or miscarriage while you are having a concern. If you want to switch a doctor that’s on you but please be more aware of what healthcare workers are experiencing right now.

Answer

I’m so so on this. While I do understand fully my doctor being on call if they say they are going to call and don’t, it’s wrong. Stick to your word. I miscarried in august (my doctor is out of town so I have this random guy) he only allowed me one blood draw, when I got those results back I called the nurses line and she said “doctor is going to review these and I’ll give you a call back on next steps!” It has been weeks and they never even called me back. I’ve also been having so many bad experiences with this office so I’m more prone to want to move. If this is your first time experiencing this, just give it time and see how you feel! It could have just been a one time mistake.

Would you get a new doctor ?

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