The 'other' Doctor

[SybilRamkin 15]

I'm almost 2 weeks post-op and I'm a happy camper. My LB surgeon and his staff were great. In fact, the only major problem I ran into was my regular doctor, someone I've been seeing for 20+ years. She was a complete pain-in-the-@$$ from the moment I told her what I was going to do. I was self pay and knew that some of the tests that my LB surgeon needed would not be covered under my insurance, but I wanted the orders to go through her (GP) so that they would become a part of my complete medical charts. She stalled and delayed nearly every single order and was extremely rude when the surgeons staff made inquiries on my behalf. When I called her about this (being rude to people who are trying to help ME) she said she didn't know how to code for 'elective surgery' ....and she was having a hard time justifying the request....and she knew people who had gone to Mexico....blah blah..... To shorten a long story, I got the tests and the surgery. Now I'm thinking that I really need to start fresh with a GP who can be more supportive of my efforts (and who isn't rude to people when no one is looking). Has anyone else been through this. Any recommendations for a GP in the Duke network?

[line-dancer 810]

well, maybe you could teach her about this s you make the changes. or this she be all she had to do with the lapband so you could go to her the regualr stuff you want to work with you sugon mostly on all this anyway.

My doctor is so skinny its hard to even see her but she was so supportive and understanding. In fact I had problems with the surgeral team getting the ok my doctor did all that . At least it is done and I am 8 wk post and 19 lbs off couldnt be happier.

line dsncer

[Alli in StL 23]

Personally, I would find a different doctor. With the amount of money I put into medical care, I refuse to see someone that I don't feel completely comfortable with. Having a doctor that purposefully hinders medical treatment is ridiculous.

[lauradevans 52]

I am a Practice Administrator for a Family Practice Clinic and let me be the 1st to say... she had NO right to treat a patient like that and I would immedialty find another GP. I would have a problem if any of my doctors treated a patient like that (not that they would) but if your doctor (espcically a GP) is not compassionate about a patient wanting to better themselves weather it is by surgery or diet, they need to rethink their profession.

[Jlynn217 54]

She would code it the same way she would any elective surgery like if a plastic surgeon needs blood work before a nose job. But to be honest with you your medical decisions are none of her business. You should find a new gp and she should know exactly why you are doing so. And to be honest with you I am surprised your surgeon doesn't contact her and tell her that interfering with his specialty is unacceptable

[Fantasy 104]

This "doctor" needs an attitude adjustment, sensitivity training and needs to be disciplined by her superiors and a state peer review committee. Her unethical and unprofessional attitude is a disgrace. You need to see that she is put in her place and realize she is just an employee and is supposed to be working for you, not against you. I would definitely get another doctor. Remember you do need a good medical support team after your band and this includes your general practicioner. What ever her negative personal attitude is about weight loss surgery is she does not need to "bring it to the office".

[Jachut 487]

Funny that. I was referred onto a reconstructive surgeon by my colorectal guy when my tummy muscles kind f gave up te ghost after ll my bowl surgeries. Was told to go see my lapband surgeonto check it was ok to move my port. He is the nicest guy but he was a complete prick about it nd I've no idea why. Ranted and raved that I had nothing to tuck, completely ignoring the hernias I was developing, and with held info from the reconstructive Sargon to boot!

I don't know whether he bought I was being taken advantage of being encouraged to have a surgery I din need?"

I guess doctors are just regular people after all and are refectory capable of behaving badly!