Myasthenia Gravis Support Group

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neuromuscular disease leading to fluctuating muscle weakness and fatiguability. The hallmark of myasthenia gravis is muscle weakness that increases during periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. Although myasthenia gravis may affect any voluntary muscle, muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and...

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Neurologist Response Time

joel123
joel123

Hi to all,


Was wondering what was their typical response time when emailing their neurologist to get an answer.  I don't want to be a bother as I know there are patients that have emergency situations, but also want to feel heard in a timely manner.  


Previously, I got fairly quick responses by email, (within a week or two), but now it has taken months to get a reply on email (in regards to switching my therapy), and, as you know, these can be long months.  Is this typical?  (I like email, but should I expect it?)


Thanks, Joel

fihghter
fihghter
Hi Joel, sorry of your troubles with doctor response on emails, it should not take more than 3 to 4 days, this is a theme that you have to talk, with your neuro, you are the one in charge of you medical problem and life and do not let these doctor dictate what is what,if he doesn
PeterL
PeterL
All these guys really are busy people (another word for disorganised in my experience) but, they have a secretary - get to know yours. They can work wonders and at the very least will update you. Email them directly with a request to pass on your email. It usually takes 7-10 days here. If that isn't good enough then ask the secretary for an appointment...
fihghter
fihghter
sorry i dint finish my sentences, but my computer is acting up, as i was saying if he doesnt want to go with your input, it is time that you look for another neuro, they are by the dozen available, my neuro work with me all the way my emails get response in 3 to 4 days, dont forget no matter what is you whom is in control, theyhave to worh with you since the patient is you, period
good luck (fighter)
Rhanson
Rhanson
I found two ways to communicate quickly with my neuro.
1. A neuro has a staff that usually includes nurses, office folks etc, especially in a larger institution. Mine had a physician assistant, nurse, secretary, and ?? I called her "service" and stated briefly something like : "I can't chew my meals. Should I increase my dose of ___"
2. Mayo Clinic (my provider) has a messaging system (sort of email, but officially tracked in our medical record). I entered a brief message and generally in 24 hours there was a response. Most of my questions were about dose levels of mestinon and prednisone, increasing or decreasing, and about side effects. Big decisions like the overall tapering process i did in person with the appointment a month out or so.

I think by being brief and limiting each communication to a specific problem that had a specific answer, I got the answer efficiently, and I thought this way of communicating was better than sitting in a waiting room at the clinic waiting to get the same info. By having a messaging system that allows the doctor's response to be billed, it becomes part of their job. My neuro sometimes answered me in a message times 11 pm. It made me feel guilty, but she said that it was OK as she could do it from home, relaxing in the evening and catching up on "virtual" patients.

Good Luck,
Russ
joel123
joel123
Thanks to all,.... that makes a lot of sense!
Joel