Picking Doctors...learn from my valuable lessons

When I found the lump on my right side just over a year ago I had a panic attach and went on the internet. Not good! It was a little shocking when I had asked one doctor, "hey feel this" and they said "no - can't feel anything"...I took their hand and said "FEEL THIS"! Their reply..."Oh that...maybe you should see your GYN"?!

What did I learn? Unless you are in the emergency room get a second opinion from a specialist always. I was lucky. The doctors I was referred to were fantastic - minus a couple hiccups. It never ever hurts to get a little more information though. I just had to have hernia surgery - a complication from my original surgery - a 12% risk of infection with colon surgery gives way to hernias.

I chose to have a new surgeon fix me up. I wanted to keep all my care in one spot and have an oncology surgeon this time around. I had moved over to NY Presbyterian Cornell/Weill for my oncology care at the Jay Monahan Center last year with my diagnosis. Going to a specialist - someone who performs that type of surgery or care over and over can give you the comfort that they know what to expect, what to see and when to use new techniques. Although it can be really, really scary in the midst of a crisis take a few days to ask questions...they may be questions that save your life and well worth the time.

Other item to consider when picking any doc...what kind of care are others getting? Do they take all types of health insurance? Do you have to wait long? Is the facility clean and friendly? For those who are strapped and think a private hospital or practice is out of reach - check on programs they may offer for those who are financially challenged. Are these doctors specialists, teaching, published and known in their fields? Are they respected? Start with your health insurance in network providers - it can save you thousands of dollars. If you really need and want to go out of network, again ask the facilities if there is charitable assistance to help with deductibles, medical co-pays and even drug coverage. Needing help is nothing to be ashamed of and it is available.

My experience with NY Pres has been wonderful. My doctors are smart and attentive leaders in their fields. The facility is beautiful, clean, friendly...all things we should not take for granted especially with the cost of health care - we really should come to expect great care.

Click on the title of this entry and you will go to the New York Magazine 2009 Best Doctors list and see how they choose them. We are our own best advocates. Don't be afraid of your health care - make it your right!

For those of you who want to know more about health care challenges and changes go to Obama's health care page and find a local group that can explain the changes proposed or host one of your own....we are so damn LUCKY we can question and create our government! Do not take it for granted - GET Involved!


Hugs,
Jen