New Doctor - what data to provide?

[kiwii]

I am seeing a new sleep doctor in a few weeks. What data should I provide to him on the first visit? I'm using SleepyHead.

Would ResScan reports perhaps be a better choice than SleepyHead when first meeting a new doctor? I'm apprehensive about being met with resistance, or having him reject me as being a 'difficult' patient.

[deathscreton]

I've had this problem as well, so I'll tell you what SleepRider told me.

Using doctor reviews online will provide you some insight as to what facilities and specialists will work with informed and knowledge armed patients. Use your provided to find a list of healthcare providers, then research them to find out what they're like.

After you've done that, anything you find relevant to what you're seeing them for would be useful. What are you wanting to have done? A new machine? A retest? An adjustment? Are you just visiting a new doctor and want to have him updated on all your information, current therapy and background?

[kiwii]

ugh. I seem to be having some anger issues.

[deathscreton]

*edited out since the post is no longer there*

In a case like this, if the doctor doesn't mind self empowered patients, I'd bring everything. SleepyHead to show ongoing therapy and how it's affecting you and past studies to bring him up to speed on what you've already had done. Personally, I'd let the doctor know WHY you're searching for a new specialist as well. This sets a baseline for him as to what to expect. I feel in situations like this, too much is never enough. 


Of course, if this doctor isn't for you, there's nothing stopping you from finding someone who is compatible. You've already gotta spend time looking for a doctor, and tons of time waiting on them to see you. Why add to that with incompatible docs?

And don't worry about it! Everyone experiences frustration with medicine. It's not exactly a quick process.

[kiwii]

Thank you, deathscreton... and for the discretion.

Is there any particular SleepyHead chart/report that would be best? I'm thinking that a packet of daily charts would be too much. What are the key elements to include?

I truly am beside myself on this one. I'm working to overcome my natural tendencies, compounded by ptsd, all of which is combining into one very stressed out & skittish kiwii.

I thought of calling his office to ask if he is amenable to... self-empowered patients. Lol! I've been looking for the right phrase to use, thanks!

[kiwii]

Absolutely shattered.

Finally found one review, and it doesn't look good...

"...among the worst I've experienced. He doesn't listen when I try to tell him what's going on, even to the point of talking over me as I try to explain what I'm experiencing.  He decides what's wrong before even conducting the tests, mindlessly insisting on whatever fad he seems to have read about most recently, and if what I'm trying to tell him finally seeps in, he falls back on the tired explanation that "I'm the doctor, I do this all day."..."

On the bright side, better to know sooner than later.

[HalfAsleep]

Absolutely shattered.

Finally found one review, and it doesn't look good...

"...among the worst I've experienced. He doesn't listen when I try to tell him what's going on, even to the point of talking over me as I try to explain what I'm experiencing.  He decides what's wrong before even conducting the tests, mindlessly insisting on whatever fad he seems to have read about most recently, and if what I'm trying to tell him finally seeps in, he falls back on the tired explanation that "I'm the doctor, I do this all day."..."

On the bright side, better to know sooner than later.

  Good thing you checked.....

What was the story about getting a new sleep doctor? The old one retired? Moved? Insurance changed?

[Walla Walla]

Don't go by one review on the internet!  Most reviews are posted by people who are unhappy. The ones that have no problems usually aren't the ones to post the review of a doctor. Hang in there. You'll be fine.

[kiwii]

Lol! The old one was the first one.   Met him 2-3 weeks ago. Let's just say we have an incompatibility in our approach to problem solving.

Found another review for the new doctor. Looks like it is a definite no-go with him: "I have a CPAP device that he prescribed. When analyzing the data from it, Dr [X] averages all the numbers the device gives over the entire three years I've had the device. If I started experiencing issues three months ago, he points out that the device has reduced the average number of apnea incidents to three per hour without even trying to see what changed in the recent past. Maybe it's a software limitation of the devices he's issuing, but that's no excuse -- he should get a better device, or else wipe the device history every time he sees you."

Not sure what to do now. Maybe speak to my PCP, although he is the one that referred me to the current doctor and they are in the same medical group. Emotionally, that puts him in the suspicious category too. Hard to know if I should listen to my gut, or assume I'm over-reacting and try to push through it.

[kiwii]

That was my initial thought too, Walla Walla, that no reviews was probably a good thing. I really don't like the nature of the 2nd review that I found.