POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => Living With HIV => Topic started by: darryaz on September 06, 2013, 01:17:13 pm
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I'd love some input on this as I'm torn......
I met my new doctor yesterday. He's near the beginning of his residency so he doesn't have a lot of experience. He was just rotated to the ID clinic last month.
In talking with him I got a definite vibe that he's not comfortable with HIV patients or gay people in general. In my book that's definitely a 'no-go'.
So I'm debating what I should do. I've basically identified 4 options:
1.
I could just suck it up and hope that he grows on me. He'll be gone in 2 years and chances are I'll only have 3 more appointments with him during that time.
2.
I could simply request a different doctor and not give a reason
3.
I could contact the supervising physician and express my concerns, encouraging him to help this new doctor with being more comfortable with the population he's working with
4.
Social security went into effect for me on August 1st so I could always start shopping for other doctors at other clinics. Unfortunately the doctor who just finished his residency, the one I REALLY liked, is only working at the VA now - the one place I CAN'T go.
I'm just beginning to weigh the pros and cons of each option. I'd be interested to hear what others think.
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I guess it depends on where you are and what other options are available.
If you live in a city with a lot of different options for care then its pretty easy to find a medical center that has the types of services you wish and a variety of doctors to choose from.
If you live somewhere that only has one or two options to see HIV patients then your options are limited.
If your not comfortable with your doctor, then your not comfortable. That's reason enough to find someone else.
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From the initial research I've done it looks like there are about 4 or 5 ID practices in town that accept Medicare and are accepting new patients.
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From the initial research I've done it looks like there are about 4 or 5 ID practices in town that accept Medicare and are accepting new patients.
By the way. I see this all the time here. ID doctors are not the only doctors that see HIV patients. They are a big chunk but you don't have to be an ID to see HIV patients. The American Academy of HIV medicine certify doctors to treat hiv patients. Just saying. They have a listing of providers at www.aahivm.org.
Also are there any large hospitals or medical centers that operate clinics that would have more than one doctor who treats HIV patients so if you don't like one you could switch to another without having to move to an entirely different practice (which is a pain).
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Also are there any large hospitals or medical centers that operate clinics that would have more than one doctor who treats HIV patients so if you don't like one you could switch to another without having to move to an entirely different practice (which is a pain).
Only one other (besides the one I use now) and that clinic doesn't include Medicare on their list of accepted insurance plans.
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Call them just to double check to see if they take Medicare. Even if you don't change now its good to have that information and hold it in your back pocket if needed.
My personal preference is to stick with medical centers/hospitals to get your care rather than a private practice (if you have that option). If you see a doctor at a medical center and end up being hospitalized they usually have all your records immediately and your doctor is already on staff at the hospital. If you go to private practice and then get hospitalized and your physician isn't on staff it's like walking in blind. The continuity of care is diminished (IMHO).
So if you stay. I would choose option number 2. Just asked for a different doctor. After all, unless he did something discriminatory or out of bounds.
Side note: it sometimes is difficult choosing a doctor you are comfortable with. Especially with HIV when there aren't that many options to begin with. It can be very disheartening when you get one you don't like. It's important to have a good relationship with your doctor so if your not comfortable with this one, then I think it's time to go shopping.
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Thanks bug. Lots of good points there.
The appointment yesterday has me set for 6 months so I can take my time to make a well-thought-out decision.