Interviewing a new GI today

[chrisnsteph1022]

I have an appointment in a couple hours with a new GI. I have very high expectations because I love my current GI. However, my insurance does not. So I have to switch. I have a list of questions typed up. I hope I don't come across as a brat because I have so many questions. Mostly, I hope we click and I really mesh well with him. He may be my treating physician for this chronic disease, so a good relationship is really important to me.

 

[outlier]

I like how you put that. I need to Interview doctors! I either stay at my doc or go to second options till i find some i like but an interview makes so much scene for a chronic disease.
genius move. let me know how the doc takes it.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

It went well. I really like him. He said he would take care of getting my records and he wanted to think about doing a SBFT because I haven't had one since 2003. He wants to see me again in a month.

 

[AshleyElaine87]

I am glad it went well Could you post the questions you asked him?

 

[JohnathanO]

I am in the process of changing docs too. My GI is 400km away from me and I have had him for over 15 years. I generally like him but he does not seem to want to do anything. I have been having so many issues as of lately that I am planning for the worst. I asked my GP to refer me to a GI who has come highly recommended to me and is only 180km away. Also the city he is in we have family so we will not be out of pocket for hotel rooms. I just think I am at a surgery point and am getting prepared. I am glad you found someone you like, hope it all goes well in the future.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

I am glad it went well Could you post the questions you asked him?

I already deleted the list from my phone, but I'll try to remember.
What role do you feel diet plays? (I don't want someone pushing a specific diet down my throat.)
What is your view on pain meds? (I want someone who realizes Crohn's is painful and will trust me not to take too many, but will prescribe them for me.)
What will be your next step if the current treatment doesn't work after some time, or when it flares back up?
I refuse to take pred-is that a problem? LOL
How many patients do you have with Crohn's?
Do you do ongoing research regarding Crohn's for new treatments, etc.?
How often do I need bloodwork, or is that just when I start a flare?
How often do I need to see you: in remission? in a flare?

I think that was about it.

 

[barmybev]

Really glad all went well for you. I have just changed GI & Hospital had my first appointment yesterday, although really nervous beforehand was really pleased with the outcome GI very understanding and has a great sense of humour, all my questions he was able to answer, So I think I have made the right choice . Although the hospital I left wasn't all bad, I often felt I wasn't getting enough support and kept being fobbed off with antibiotics every month for infections instead of them investigating why it kept happening. Bevx

 

[outlier]

those sound really good.

you might also want to run your doc http://projects.propublica.org/docdollars/
through that list. it's good to know if they have a "friendly relationship with any drug company. not always a bad thing but a bias you can ask about or watch for.

 

[chrisnsteph1022]

Interesting site! My doctor did not show up there.

 

[stupidbody!]

Haha! He must not have been too intimidated. My first GI would have freaked at those questions. He thought he was God.