Modern Medicine

We took a trip to the ER yesterday afternoon.  We were seen immediately, treatment was given immediately,  a lovely PA spent quite some time explaining what was happening and what needed to be done.  We felt great when we left.

Follow up with the GP and the specialist was called for in 1-2 days.  Easy peasy, right?  After all, it's written in the discharge orders so it must mean something, right?  

HAHAHA.

The GP was prompt in responding that the specialist was needed to respond to the ER visit since they couldn't handle the next step in their office.

The specialist's triage team has been an entirely different matter.  No call back yesterday. No call back this morning.  I have now called and spoken to their scheduling office more than I've spoken to my kids.

Their first available appointment is in December.  Yes, not today or tomorrow but three months from now.  The scheduler was really really sorry she couldn't help me, but only the triage team can find an appointment and there is no way that I can contact the triage team directly.  I'm certain that she and her colleague have forwarded my requests, my urgent requests, my this needs to happen now requests, to whatever the triage team might be.  If they exist.  If they care.

There is no one in the office who can help - not another physician nor a PA nor an RN or an NP nor anyone else.  

This leaves me wondering why someone who is unreachable would take on the responsibility of being the point person for a serious disease.  It took 4 days and many phone calls and finally a personal appearance in the office lobby, with a loud voice demanding answers, that gave us a paper with test results but no explanation.  That took another appearance in the office the next day, refusing to leave until we had an answer. 

There is not another specialist in town with an appointment before May, even though we need someone today or tomorrow.

Is this the state of medicine today in Tucson?  We moved here in 2006 for the weather, the cost of living, and the miles of doctors' offices lining every other street.  Since then, we've gone through 4 GP's (3 left for pregnancy, one for a more lucrative practise) and then no GP when the last one left.  

Not to worry.  Our NP and PA caregivers are wonderful, responsive, and available by message board.  

The practise was unable to hire another GP for over a year.

I'm off to see her for the first time this afternoon, leaving my patient at home with telephones and liquids and blankets at hand.  I scheduled this appointment when she was hired last month; I had my choice of days and times.  I hope I like her.

Meanwhile, we have sent information up to the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix to their triage team.  Fingers crossed.............

(please don't ask for more details)