JaimeS
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This was initially going to be a post to answer a question posted by @cman89 , but then I realized it was quite off-topic (the initial topic was to do with epinephrine!) so I moved it to a new thread and replied here.
I would love to hear other people's take on the same topic. I think this is something that a lot of newbies could use some help with, so please share your knowledge and experience here!
Original posted question:
@cman89 then said,
And my answer:
First, I went onto a rate-my-doc site and looked for people who listed themselves as internists rather than GPs. I probably got that idea by reading something on here - I was a lurker long before I was a poster. After reading comments on the rate-doc site like "they really listen" and "they take time to explain", I called a few offices. In several, the staff seemed surly and uncooperative. One office never called me back; I suppose their patients are not that important to them. Lack of communication is a pretty good indicator of a lack of general interest.
Finally, I rang offices where the person who took my call was the mother of an old student of mine. A student who'd been a little difficult, but we'd gotten along well. Mother heard I'd had son as a student, said, "...oh, I'm sorry." I was struck with offense on the child's behalf. This kid was quirky but good-hearted, of the bright ADHD variety. But she'd obviously been trained by circumstance to believe that everyone but her found him to be a trial. I rushed to assure her that he hadn't been any real trouble, and that he was a bright kid with a sweet nature and that's all that really matters, and I'm sure he's continued to get good grades and do well. There was a pause, followed by a heartfelt, "...and what can I do for you?"
Sometimes karma is real.
I told her I was having real issues, and I needed someone bright, research-oriented and collaborative, who was willing to talk things out. She was able to direct me to the best person in her already highly-rated practice, and she seemed very sure: "oh, you want Doctor X!" Me: "...you think so?" Her: "...oh absolutely, that's exactly who you're talking about." And she was right. I won the doctor lottery, especially for my podunk little area.
Even if you can't have this kind of luck, you can still go to a doctor rating site and look for local internists who come highly rated and call their offices (or drive by/stop by) to see if they have a good feel - staff who like working there, good working environment, an energy that seems to be of the push-forward, do-better variety. My previous GP is highly rated on those sites despite being condescending, narrow, and quite certain of his genius-level expertise despite all evidence to the contrary, lol, so you also want to talk to someone and ask for investigative, open-minded qualities in particular, and you definitely want to visit or call so you can get a feel for the place. Your instincts will tell you a lot.
Even if you are being seen by one of the ME experts, it's VERY helpful to have someone local to touch base with.
-J
I would love to hear other people's take on the same topic. I think this is something that a lot of newbies could use some help with, so please share your knowledge and experience here!
Original posted question:
@cman89 then said,
And my answer:
First, I went onto a rate-my-doc site and looked for people who listed themselves as internists rather than GPs. I probably got that idea by reading something on here - I was a lurker long before I was a poster. After reading comments on the rate-doc site like "they really listen" and "they take time to explain", I called a few offices. In several, the staff seemed surly and uncooperative. One office never called me back; I suppose their patients are not that important to them. Lack of communication is a pretty good indicator of a lack of general interest.
Finally, I rang offices where the person who took my call was the mother of an old student of mine. A student who'd been a little difficult, but we'd gotten along well. Mother heard I'd had son as a student, said, "...oh, I'm sorry." I was struck with offense on the child's behalf. This kid was quirky but good-hearted, of the bright ADHD variety. But she'd obviously been trained by circumstance to believe that everyone but her found him to be a trial. I rushed to assure her that he hadn't been any real trouble, and that he was a bright kid with a sweet nature and that's all that really matters, and I'm sure he's continued to get good grades and do well. There was a pause, followed by a heartfelt, "...and what can I do for you?"
Sometimes karma is real.
I told her I was having real issues, and I needed someone bright, research-oriented and collaborative, who was willing to talk things out. She was able to direct me to the best person in her already highly-rated practice, and she seemed very sure: "oh, you want Doctor X!" Me: "...you think so?" Her: "...oh absolutely, that's exactly who you're talking about." And she was right. I won the doctor lottery, especially for my podunk little area.
Even if you can't have this kind of luck, you can still go to a doctor rating site and look for local internists who come highly rated and call their offices (or drive by/stop by) to see if they have a good feel - staff who like working there, good working environment, an energy that seems to be of the push-forward, do-better variety. My previous GP is highly rated on those sites despite being condescending, narrow, and quite certain of his genius-level expertise despite all evidence to the contrary, lol, so you also want to talk to someone and ask for investigative, open-minded qualities in particular, and you definitely want to visit or call so you can get a feel for the place. Your instincts will tell you a lot.
Even if you are being seen by one of the ME experts, it's VERY helpful to have someone local to touch base with.
-J
