- Of course, expertise in treating endometriosis is just one component of a “good endometriosis doctor.” There are other important considerations as well. During the appointment, ask the doctor specific questions about endometriosis (such as its appearance, its staging, and its treatment). Take the time to assess the doctor’s knowledge and expertise. Remember that fame does not always mean superior knowledge and skills.
After the appointment, ask yourself the following questions:
- Did I feel rushed?
- Was the office staff rude or unprofessional?
- Did the doctor initially meet me with my clothes on or off? (I feel strongly that a doctor should first meet a patient with her clothes on. The “clothes off” position is one of vulnerability.)
- Did the doctor answer all of my questions thoroughly? Was there any hint of hostility?
- Did the doctor dismiss or trivialize any of my symptoms? (If so, find another doctor!)
- Did the doctor seem more interested in getting paid than in taking care of me?
- Was any of the doctor’s behavior inappropriate? (If so, you may want to leave immediately!)
- Did the doctor talk about other patients in front of me? (If so, the doctor may talk about your medical problems in front of someone else!)
- Did the doctor treat me like an intelligent partner in my health care?
- Did the doctor take a complete history and do a pelvic and breast exam?
- Did the doctor talk with me about my condition while I was naked and vulnerable – or while clothed, in an area where I felt comfortable asking questions and taking notes?
- What is my gut feeling? Can I trust this doctor?
Locating a good endometriosis doctor may take time and effort.
Keep in mind that even after you locate an expert, that doesn’t mean you’ll be pain free. Even the best endometriosis doctors struggle with our disease and its treatment.
However, finding expert help early on can help prevent delayed diagnosis, mis-diagnosis, inadequate treatment, frustration, stress, and wasted effort. Trust me on this, it’s worth it!
Going the Distance to an Endometriosis Specialist
By Heather Guidone, CEC Program Director
Are you headed for your 5th laparoscopy because you haven't seen an improvement in your symptoms since your first? Taking your 4th round of medication because previous therapies didn't help at all? If you are no longer in control of your disease - and it has begun controlling you - it is time to seek the help of an expert.
An educated patient is an empowered patient, one who will take control of her healthcare. She realizes that seeing a specialist will finally enable her to break the cycle of misdiagnosis, inadequate surgery and inefficient treatment so many patients have been subjected to. Most of us never imagined that we would one day have to travel when feeling our very worst in order to receive treatment for our Endometriosis, but that is exactly what had to happen for many after exhausting other options. Know that you are not alone in considering the journey to an Endometriosis treatment center! Until such time as a truly effective standard of care is adopted throughout the Endometriosis treatment community, patients will continue to have to cross states - and sometimes, even oceans - to receive efficient care and get the help they need. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which you can minimize the difficulty of such a trip.
Choosing Your Specialist: Penny-wise, Pound Foolish
The old adage certainly holds true in this instance. This is a major decision, one that should never be based strictly on convenience or cost. Making the right choice when it comes to selecting the center that will help you is priceless; making the wrong choice will cost you in the long run. Remember; this is your *health.*
Talk to the surgeon's previous patients. What was their experience? How did the specialist improve their health? Ask questions, no matter how small or insignificant you think they may seem. You will be investing a lot of time, money and effort into seeing the surgeon you have chosen; taking the time to make some in-depth queries about the level of care they offer may save you from making the wrong decision in the end.
There is bound to be a little insurance bureaucracy throughout the process, but it needn't discourage you. The first step is working with your newfound specialist's office. Find out their policy concerning insurance coverage and/or discuss payment options with them. Most centers that are not “in-network” providers, such as the CEC, are willing to discuss special arrangements for out-of-network patients, and chances are, as we do, they may also be willing to help with some of the legwork: obtain your approvals, fill out your paperwork, and submit your forms. Get all the financial details worked out upfront, before you schedule the actual surgery.
As an aside, there is a good reason most centers of excellence like the CEC are not “in-network.” Networks limit the types of surgeries that can be performed and pay only marginal fees to those surgeons who take the extra time and effort to learn the high level of expertise needed to effectively treat Endometriosis and perform meticulous, advanced procedures. However, again - insurance wrangling should not be an entirely daunting process that discourages you from going to a specialty treatment center like the CEC. Most patients who wish to come to the CEC are successful: 65% of our patients come to us from out of state and 90% are from “out-of-network.”
Who, What, When, Why, Where? As in:
Who will be doing your surgery?
Who will be assisting and what specific skills do they bring to the procedure?
What will be done during the surgery?
What pre- or post-op precautions are there, if any?
What post-op prescriptions will you need?
Be sure to get these filled prior to the surgery; you will want them accessible.
When should you start your bowel prep, if one is required?
When is the surgery?
When are you needed in town for your pre-op?
When can you expect to feel well enough to return home?
Why is this surgery superior to previous treatment attempts you've undergone?
Where, specifically, is the surgery to be done?
Be sure to also find out where your loved ones can wait during your surgery. What is the most convenient way of getting to and from the hospital?
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
You've chosen your treatment center, gotten the finances surrounding the procedure in order, worked out every detail. Now all you need to do is...get there.
If you're fortunate enough, the center is within an hour car ride of your home. If not, consider your options:
Planes – probably the most expensive, but also the fastest.
Trains - a little cheaper, a little slower, and perhaps not even an option, depending upon your location.
Automobiles - How long is your ride home? If it is more than a couple of hours, you may wish to look into other transportation options.
Chances are, you'll be heading to the airport soon enough. Before you start packing, here are a few tips:
Book your flight on the airline that provides the most frequent service from your area to your surgeon's location. You'll have many more flight options and can typically get a reduced or penalty fare.
You should wait at least 48 hours after surgery to travel home, depending upon the distance and your surgeon’s specific recommendations.
Don't be embarrassed to tell the booking agent why you are making the reservation. It is important that the airlines knows you are a medical patient. Ask about preboarding and wheelchair service for your return flight. You may even be pleasantly surprised with some unexpected special treatment, such as a complimentary upgrade.
Just because the trip isn't a vacation doesn't mean you can't enjoy yourself at all. Arrive a day or two early to do some sightseeing and have a little fun.
Stay local. The surgi-center you've chosen will likely suggest a few hotels in the area for you to choose from. Tell the hotel why you are there. They too need to be aware of any special medical needs you might experience while you are their guest - and they may throw in a complimentary service as well. Ask about preferred rates for surgical patients. A first floor room can also be helpful - the closer you are to your room following surgery, the better. Ask for the “medical” or "hospital" rate. The local hotels are usually aware that the surgical center treats many out-of-town patients and may offer a reduced rate accordingly.
Pack lightly! Remember that you are going to have to carry those bags back through the airport after your surgery. Pack the things you would normally want with you after a surgery; your favorite book, toiletries you need, etc. It's not easy to run out and buy these types of things when you are in a strange town, 2 hours post-op. Also be sure to pack clothing that is comfortable, both to recuperate in and to travel home in. Keywords: high-waisted sweatpants and loose dresses!
*Don't travel alone.* You are undergoing surgery and will need assistance from a loved one just as you would at home.
This whole process is not as ominous as it may seem. Any minor difficulties that need to be endured in order to obtain expert treatment for your disease is an easy exchange for the long-term benefits you will reap.
Most patients have never looked back in regret and thought it was a waste of time or money to travel to a specialist. Many have, however, looked back in regret that they didn't get to them sooner.
For helpful suggestions on traveling for your surgery with the CEC, please visit:
http://www.centerforendo.com/traveling.htm
Deciding on a Doctor
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment