New insurance, new uro?

[rjyoon]

After being laid off & losing my insurance, I'm trying to get set up on hubby's HMO insurance. It's taking quite a bit, to say the least. I asked for a referral to a uro who can handle the Interstim (there are three in the state), & they've decided that my current uro isn't "qualified" by their system, and I have to go to another one. This is actually kind of funny, as my uro is fairly arrogant. So, five months post-implant, I'll be switching uros. I have met the other guy, as I went to him for a second opinion before opting for Interstim. He was okay.

Any suggestions on how to have a smooth transition to the new uro? Hopefully my records will be transferred as I requested.

[jen_dahling]

I suggest that you personally carry the medical records and any list of questions that you may have. Also any documentation that you have done at home such as a voiding diary, etc. Maybe have your hubby list questions and tell how the illness has affected things through his eyes. I would also mention how important the appointment is to you because of the insurance limitations. If the new euro sees how important the visit is and how informed/prepared you are then maybe you will receive better attention from him/her.
Good luck.

[kadi]

When I was referred to a new doctor, I took with me..

1.Photos from the cysto/hydro --the written records were sent directly to the new doctor

2. A typed letter from me to the doctor including
Symptoms when I first got sick
A list of tests run & results (ultrasound, catheterized urine sample, cystometrogram, laparoscopy, cystoscopy, cysto/hydro)
A list of meds tried & what happened (or didn't) with each
A list of medication & food allergies
My current symptoms

3. A list of questions for the doctor

4. Voiding diary -time & amount over 24 hour period for several days

Hope that works for you. My doctor said it was helpful.

[rjyoon]

I wanted to bring the copy of my records to my first appointment, until I learned about the costs (somehow related to the new HIPPA laws). At $14 each plus $.50 per page, times a long treatment history, times eight doctors, this just isn't going to happen. So, I'm relying on the courtesy copies that the doctors provide to one another, but I have no control over when they're sent.

I have a concise list of all treatments tried & the result (had to put it together when justifying the Interstim). The HMO doctors don't want that, they want the original doctor's records. After all these years & so many doctors, it's not like it's something easy to read & find. Lots of handwritten records, and I've been to many doctors who refuse to read other people's handwriting.

Thanks for the reminder about the voiding diaries. The uro probably won't include that in the records transfer, as they didn't originate with him.

I'm not sure that I have any questions for the new uro. He came in a close second when I was considering Interstim, so I've bugged him with many questions about that already. Hopefully I won't need much in the way of reprogramming & can avoid him for a long time.

[kadi]

Good luck! Hoping all goes really well for you:)