And, for what it's worth, I bear my first doctor no ill will, I'm not looking for a lawsuit or any of that. I just need help . . .

Sally, I usually do keep copies of what I feel I need. The imaging was all done at an imaging center and not through the doctor's office. I did have 3 MRIs, a CT scan, and x-rays done, and it's $10 a CD to get copies of those.

I don't like the idea of a new ortho looking at records, etc., before he looks at ME. It feels like the deck is stacked before I get there- he (and orthopedic surgeons are ALL he's) won't even know what the problem is, as it really isn't related to the surgery, I don't think.

to emphasize with you alto, all the big ass teaching hopstials in big important city have done the same thing to me. i had it done with my neck when pre-selecting my neurosurgeon.

they have this screenorama nurse that deigns that you do not even SPEAK to a booking person until the practice agrees (nurse review of all records first for completeness) that they have everything for the opinion person, the MD to decide that the nurse can tell the booking admin...i can have an important,

i rather self compile but one place wore me out so much with it's pre appointment protocol I gave up.

keep pushing - i want another pair of eyes on your post surgery and i understand not having cash to private pay your way,

play the game

depot

Hi Alto, I do work with insurance companies for Workers Comp patients and have a little insight into the doctor's side of things. A lot of patients go doctor shopping these days - either in search of drugs, unnecessary surgeries, or looking for an opportunity for a lawsuit. A lot of the orthos/pain mgmt docs I deal with will want to see records prior to seeing the patient to make sure it's a "legit" claim. Many of the doctors will give the records back once they are reviewed - whether or not you continue on with their practice.

Bottom line, they are your records and you decide who sees them and who doesn't see them.
Good luck!
Kate

alto, you aint looking for pain managenmet or a law suit and this was not work related

you have been SO patient with the outcome, or not, of this surgery and healing. "shop" all you want until you get an answer about the shoulder that sits on YOUR body.

this sounds like OWN private health group work insurance that costs you a shit ton a year, and a second set of eyes post surgery. there is no lost wages on this, no cost containment. it is a secocnd look on private insurance. i do NOT think it should have to be like the second coming, in my humble opinion.

i know you don't want to dish out money for more cd's....a permanent viewing collection for at home.... but this might be the only way unless they will transfer them electronically. i would say just bring the radiologist's report but then the new place would stick you with more imaging

depot

You are entitled to be crabby and paranoid. If I remember correctly, you fell after your surgery. New injury. Yeah, it is in the same area as your surgery, but your compliant is not about your surgery. It is horribly frustrating when nobody is listening to what you are saying. Keep phoning, keep asking for help.
This is awful, I feel just terrible for you. Somebody will listen, keep talking and don't give up.
Lynne

Thanks, guys.

Depot, this isn't even University Hospitals- they don't take my insurance! This is a huge ortho group- maybe 30 doctors- at the other Big Important Hospital in the Big City. They're who my insurance is through. (Ever see the super-skeezy motel with the crack whores on "Breaking Bad"? That's right across the street.)

Buddhacat, I tried to ask for a new patient appointment. I'm soooo tempted to call back and try again, maybe getting someone else on the phone, and telling them less.

Kate, I didn't even think about the old drug-seeker thing. My current office has offered me narcotics at least four or five times since I fell- what's with that? Each time, I patiently explain, being the patient after all, that they gave me 60 oxys when I had the surgery, and I used at least four, maybe even five. The bottle sits on the shelf collecting dust. Hate 'em.

I know, Depot, I need to just buck up and do it. I may have a few minutes Monday to go put in the request for the CDs, and I can print out the surgical report from the internet. I don't work Wednesdays, so maybe if there's good weather and no other commitments I can pick up the CDs and drive my sorry ass sixty miles down there in my 22-year-old car, hand them the records, have them sign for them, ask them to copy the CDs and give me back the originals. They can, of course, view all the imaging online, but that is far too simple.

Lynne, that is just exactly the problem. All I want is a decent diagnosis and an idea of what my options are to fix this.

I guess the other option is to drive 70 miles north to Chic Little Ski Town. There is supposedly a decent orthopedics office there. Makes sense- those black diamond slopes buy orthos their summer homes and boats. The road is sketchy in good weather although it's a gorgeous drive, and one of my all-time worst car trips was coming home from there in a blizzard one night. It is February.

Tough one. Can most certainly see why they would want test results & to a point surgical notes pre & post. Peeves me off that you would have to pay for any CD. They should just hand it over. Mine did but had to pay for any notes.

I'm assuming they do not know you feel this is not related to your surgery & honestly chances are won't care.
Heard someone once say you have to get past the "gate keeper" to get into these doctors.

I can see where you would think its a good old boys thing going on here. Been there done that. Yet it could be the way this doctor works.
If he does not realize your feeling this is not surgery related he may looking at the time frame they determine for healing or recovery.
Meaning with surgery on the recent side he may feel the time frame has not passed for full healing process.
Went through something very much the same. Shoulder surgery but problems remained. Surgeon said could take 8 months or even a year.
Yet I was in the same boat your in. Knew there was something wrong.
He expected me to wait & sent me off to PM.
Did want all my test results/films before scheduling any appointment.

It's a tough choice. You can submit what they are requesting.
Call & say less or come right out & tell the "gate keeper" you don't think its surgery related & just want that second opinion. Then there's driving the 70 miles. May be worth a call just to see if it's a wee bit easier to get in. May feel better with more distance between these doctors. Doctors can protect doctors but not all. They know more then anyone there's the good, bad & ugly out there.
Should not be this darn tough. No one can blame you for being "crabby & paranoid". In your shoes most of us would feel the same way.
Really hope you get some where. It's tough enough knowing there's a problem & not knowing what that problem is. It's exhausting & risks what I call "doctor induced depression". The very ones you are suppose to be able to turn to for help road blocking your attempts at getting the help you need & deserve.
Keep us updated.
Sending prayers your way.
Sammy