A doctor question

[vikij]

I have a question for you guys....My doctor doesn't want me on antibiotics and he also doesn't think i should see a UT doctor about my kidney but once a year...I don't think he understands the seriousness of my condition...I only have one kidney and I do get kidney and bladder infection's all the time.My question is should I be concerned about this? or am I reading too much into it.Also I'm on that first patient plan I'm not sure if you guys know what that is...but I have that with my Medicare...Now I did work but i missed so many days out from being in the hospital...they let me go...But I am planning on going back to work somewhere. Anyways thanks for your time.

[Lifeisgood]

Is that your PCP saying you should only see he urologist 1x per year? I think the urologist should decide how often your follow up should be. The urogist should also be the one you discuss prophylactic antibiotics with and to manage your care from a kidney bladder standpoint. Good luck!

[angel]

If you only have one kidney I would DEFINATLY see a urologist. They are the ones that should tell you how often you need to be seen. They are the experts in that area.

Angel

[dahliafaolan]

If you only have one kidney, DON'T listen to that doctor! A family doctor doesn't have the specialized knowledge to deal with your issues. You should definitely be seeing a urologist more than once a year! I still have both kidneys and a mostly managed neurogenic bladder and I'm always on the phone with my urologist!

[Dodger67]

Why does a GP determine your access to a specialist(urologist)? Thats all backwards!
My GP doesn't even concern himself with any of my SB issues - he has absolutely no say (or interest) in my interaction with specialists.
My GP treats my annual tonsilitis and stitched my finger when I gashed it with a chisel, that is all!

[angel]

My GP is the same way dodger. He knows he isn't a specialist and doesn't even try to pretend to know what I need for the SB. He treats the regular stuff and If i ask him to point me in the direction of someone SB related he will do that. Other than asking me how I am doing or asking about a report he got from another doctor about me SB isn't discussed. He would NEVER EVER tell me I didn't need to go see someone he would send me anyway to be on the safe side.

Angel

[Dodger67]

Maybe its "cultural" difference - here in SA you only need a referral to a specialist for the first apointment.
Once you are the specialist's patient you can arrange your appointments with them independently of your GP.
I tell my GP when I've been to my urologist and what we (uro and I) did - not the other way round.

[vikij]

thanks guys....i have told him that i don't think he knows whats best for me...oh and the fact i forgot to mention yesterday....when i first became one of his patients I have to explain to him what Spina Bifida was...so I explained it
I really didn't think much of it being his been my parents family doctor for years now...okay back to what ups for debate here...lol...I have made me an appointment for this Friday so I'm gonna try and talk some sense into this doctors head....My problems that i have he doesn't see them as serious like i said before....but i can tell when something isn't right and i know something isn't right...but again thanks again guys.I'll keep u posted

[Dodger67]

Is there a reason why you cannot make an apointment with your urologist directly?

[LisaJoy]

You definitely need to see your urologist regularly, and it sounds to me like you have a different GP. I have no kidney issues and rarely get a UTI, but I still see my urologist twice a year. I only needed a referral for the first appointment (years ago). I see my urologist more frequently than my GP.

If your GP still won't listen and is blocking your access to care, get your urologist to contact him directly. He won't listen to you, but might listen to another doctor.

Roger -- in the US the rule about referrals depends entirely on your insurance plan. My plan doesn't require referrals for specialist, although many specialists themselves require a referral from another doctor. But on HMO type plans (HMO=health maintenance organization), the GP is a gate-keeper for all health care.

[vikij]

Is there a reason why you cannot make an apointment with your urologist directly?

I'm on the first patient plan...and my family doctor has to recommend me to someone...thats why i can't call and make me an appointment.