Should I expect to get results?

I had a six month checkup last Wednesday where I had an EKG & ultrasound (Is this the same as an echogram?) to check valves, EF, etc. Should I expect the doctor to call me with results or not? I realize it's only been a few days & I'm OK with that. However, communication with this guy isn't easy. I saw him for less than 5 minutes & all he asked was how I was feeling. He's out the door practically before I can give him an answer. Would it be out of line for me to call & ask a few questions regarding the tests, of course, waiting a few more days to give him time to look at the results. Sometimes I think it's time for a change as much as I dread appointments with him.

9 Comments

Find another doc

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-09 01:03:23

Look at it this way..if you had a serious emergency would you want this guy treating you?

It seems to be a fact of life that highly skilled docs in general have poor people skills, but there are limits.

Carolyn G. put it very well..don't put up with it.

frank

time to go

by justme - 2010-03-09 02:03:21

If you dread going to him now when things are OK what's going to make you think clearly when you are in a state of emergency and really need to see him? GO NOW. (as in LEAVE)
Regarding results to things like the ECHO and ECG, I get mine immediately at the place I go to. The results are given to me either directly from my cardio or EP or from one of their colleagues at the practice who specialize in the cardiac testing. You are entitled to the results, and one way to ensure that you get them is to request a copy of the report to be sent to you directly.

YES YES YES

by Hot Heart - 2010-03-09 06:03:41

gOAND HAVE A LOOK AT MY PREVIOUS POSTABOUT MY INTERROGATION!

CALL THEM AND DEMAND

move on

by Tracey_E - 2010-03-09 07:03:53

Frank said exactly what I was thinking, would you want him in an emergency? Get a new one now so if something comes up you have someone you can trust.

My dr usually only calls if something is wrong after routine tests, but if I call his nurse will answer questions.

results

by dottodot - 2010-03-09 08:03:56

Some have results of echocardiograms over read by an expert in interpretation but you shouldn't have to wait longer than 1 week for a result. EKGs should be explained at the time of visit. You have a right to have your questions answered and that's why I always bring a list. My EP says let's look at your list first and then we'll go over mine! If I have something I forget I contact them and someone always responds. I can tell you when I've had problems my Cardiology office often responds faster than my Family Practice MD!! If you're unhappy and are in an area where you have choices go for it. I would even drive 100 miles more if I was unhappy!

Thanks everyone!

by Gonnie - 2010-03-09 10:03:05

I know what I need to do & you've prob given me the push I needed. I never got off on a good foot with this guy & it hasn't improved any. Yes I would trust him in an emergency because I think he's a very good cardio but his lack of people skills is disconcerting. I'll wait a couple more days & give them a call. I think I'm just intimidated by his whole demeanor.

Or start intimidating him

by ElectricFrank - 2010-03-09 11:03:56

Doctors don't have a patent on intimidation. With a little practice you can learn to intimidate him/her. Then, hopefully, you can develop mutual respect. I've pretty much come to that point with my cardiologist and the Medtronic rep. We all had a good time together in the OR when I got my replacement.

frank

More and More ~ ~

by Carolyn65 - 2010-03-09 12:03:56

Yes, call your Dr. and ask for someone who will allow you some of their time to give you your results AND explain them to you. After all, these tests were bought & paid for by you in some manner (cash, insurance). If a patient dreads their Dr., the patient can not be well.

Almost daily, when going thru & reading the "posts" on this PM Club site, there is always someone(s) who has difficulties, challenges, lack of communications, dissatisfactions, etc. with their cardio. Dr. and/or Staff.

I would hope, with most of all the cardio. Dr.'s being very good at what they do, the remaining cardio. Dr.'s mentioned on this site, would read what these PM members are saying to each other and not to their Dr's. due to lack of communication & fear of their Dr's.s

Why should a paying customer, ie, a patient be afraid of their cardio. Dr. and be so dis-satisfied? As an example: If you went into the grocery store and paid for a loaf of bread or eggs or milk and the product was green or sour, you would tell the grocer immediately. So, when we go to the Dr. and have questions and are not satisfied with the Dr.'s answers, why do we, as a client/patient, put up with these Dr's. & their "bedside manners, OR lack there of?

Too bad just a few of these type of cardio Dr's./GP/etc. give the rest of the good Dr's. a "reputation" ~

Take Care, Carolyn G. in TEXAS ( :

I like your idea Frank!

by Gonnie - 2010-03-10 12:03:24

I'll work on my tough chick skills & see if we can't reach an understanding! Fight fire with fire I suppose. I'll let you know how it works out next time ☺

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