How to start out with a new GP? Also, suggestions for Eastern High Sierra?

What's the best way to start out with a new doctor?

Having moved, I have to get established with a new general practitioner. I'm hoping to get my doctor to make good referrals to specialist with experience with ME/CFS. I'm making an appointment with a doctor recommended by a friend, who doesn't have experience with ME/CFS but who my friend says is good about referrals. This is a very remote region --- there simply are not a lot of doctors to choose from here. But I'd love input if anyone knows...

1) any good doctors in my area (Eastern High Sierra)

2) good ideas on how to approach a new GP

Thanks!

Like, Sierra Tahoe Sierra? Do you know about Dr. Peterson?

The WPI is scheduled to start seeing patients in late 2010. http://www.wpinstitute.org/news/news_cmm.html

And Dr. Peterson sees patients now at his office in Incline Village. He is an internist by training and still sees regular patients. You probably live in the best in the country to be a CFS patient!

Creekfeet,

I just sent you a private message.

Creekfeet,

the best way to approach a new Doctor is to be prepared.

Type (or write) a summary of all your symptoms & length of symptoms, before you get there.

Include a summary of tests, specialists visits, surgeries, childhood diseases (if relevant) & the specialist's names & when each visit or surgery occured.

(& don't forget to carry a page of all your personal details, next of kin, address, phone, social security number & any private health insurance details etc).

Saves you having to remember stuff. You can just refer to your typed list.

Every time I see my GP, I have a small note of the 3-4 items I want to discuss with him. He's used to seeing me pull out my piece of paper at each visit.

He also knows I would like a copy of all test results & referral letters/specialist's replies for my file at home.

And while I can't help you with the names of Dr's in the US, I find being well prepared saves time & having to try & remember.

I also give a photocopy of this test/specialist/surgery list to each NEW specialist for their file - saves them having to write or remember everything.

Many thanks, all of you! Yes, I know we're not all that far from Dr. Peterson, but we are on MediCal (public health coverage for poor people) which they might not want to accept for payment, and there's no way I can pay out of pocket. Still, I will definitely ask. Can't hurt to try.

Excellent plants, Victoria. I've made an appointment---it's on 19 Feb---so I have plenty of time to pull everything together. The nurse heard what my ailment was and made my appointment with an Internal Medicine doc (physician) rather than with a General Practitioner, so this might be a good start.

Good Luck with the appointment, Creekfeet,
hope it goes well & you get some positive feedback & more importantly, receive guidance for a clear direction in which to head.
Keep us posted.................

Oops, I'm 4.5 hours from Reno x(

I don't know what I've been thinking. Wishful, I guess. Anyway, still within reach but twice as far as I'd thought.

Anyone know if Dr. Peterson takes MediCal? Guess I ought to just try calling tomorrow and begin asking.