In need of a new GI

[Dawnmg]

I'm not sure if I put this question in the right thread but I need some advice. I have had crohn's disease for 14 years and have been seeing my GI for those entire 14 years. Unfortunetly I feel that his office is now overwhelmed with too many patients. When I go in for visits, even when they are only 2 weeks apart it seems like he forgets why I am there and what was discussed during the last appointment. It is very frustrating telling my doctor that I pay for what we should try and remind him of my condition. The other issue I have with the office is that there are 4 different physicians assistants. I have no problem with PA's however, the one time I saw 3 different ones in which all three had different opinions of what was wrong and kept changing my meds. And it wasn't a small change it was 5 different meds changed 3 times. So I have pretty much had it and would like to find another GI, particularly who specializes in crohns. I'm not sure where to go being that there are only 2 GI's in my area. The next one is located near Bethlehem, Allentown area. Sorry for the long intro, but I needed to vent about it first, My question is if anyone in this forum lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and has any suggestions for a specialist or even a GI, please share their information. I would greatly appreciate it. I am scared to go to another doctor because I have had the same one for 14 years however, I don't feel that they care much about my case and symptoms and I feel like they are ignoring me and just pushing me to the side. Please Help!

 

[seebee]

I don't blame you for wanting to switch docs. A big part of feeling better is knowing that your doctor is on top of your case and wants what is best for you. As for knowing any doctors in the area, I'm sorry I can't help you as my GI is in New York City.
:hug:

 

[tots]

I don't live in your state

Just letting you know I feel for ya!

I think you can call the association that oversees board certified GI docs. They may also tell you who specializes in Crohns.

Good luck, I hope you find a good DR soon.


Lauren

 

[mbishop]

You should never have to deal with competing PAs changing your meds. There should be one person in charge of your meds for IBD - your GI doc (okay, technically you should be in charge, but under the guidance of one doctor). While additional opinions help, you should not be the test bed for 3 PAs to compete over which regime they believe is the best.

Its a long hike, but there are lots of good GI docs in the Philly area. Hillmont is a great GI practice just north of the city, and UPenn is laden with docs. Too far for routine care, but if you need a second opinion or a special procedure I can recommend them without reservation.

 

[LisaL]

I agree with everyone else. Frankly, it is one thing not to remember what a patient has been dealing with if you saw them months and months ago...but two weeks ago. he should be able to look at your chart and refresh him memory easily. Find someone with a smaller practice, or who you feel is more interested in staying current with your symptoms.

Good luck,
Lisa

 

[CrohnsChicago]

I can understand your frustration. Having too many patients can make you feel like you are not getting the best care possible for you. And it makes it that much easier to miss things sometimes.

Here is a link to the forum directory of GIs in PA that folks on this site have tried. Maybe you can find someone worth seeing on this list. Google the doctors and look up reviews to help you in your decision.

http://www.crohnsforum.com/doctor/us/pa/

And I always try to remind members to make sure you get copies of all of your medical records before you go to visit a new doctor so they are prepared and well informed on your past symptoms, tests and treatment plans

Wishing you the best.