Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

As a woman, I have had some poor experiences w/ doctors (specifically male doctors). I get the impression that there are times when they do not take me seriously or blow me off. I actually was on the verge of swearing off doctors completely when I had to be hospitalized for a bad case of bronchitis when my doctor told me that it was probably anxiety...or when I fell on ice at school and the doctor at the hospital refused to x-ray my hip because I was "too young" for them to be concerned about it. So now I have not gone to the doctor in at least 3 years and am starting off w/ new insurance and a new PCP. I have some concerns that I need to discuss, but am affraid of comming off like a hyperconfdriact (sp?). I need to be tested for a couple of blood clotting genes and also want to bring up fibromyalgia or anything else for that matter that may be causing the exhaustion and muscle aches (and IBS (previously diagnosed), migraines (previously diagnosed), etc, etc, etc...). How does one bring this up to a new doctor without comming off as a psycho who has googled one too many illnesses? Should I just tell him what is bothering me and hope the conversation goes in that direction? I have become too paranoid, I know, but I have waited too long for health insurance to be blown off.

I can not believe I need to be coached through this, but I do

Message edited 1/5/2008 12:44:15 AM.

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

I would tell him the symptoms/problems you are experiencing on your first visit so he can order up additional tests if necessary. They can only help you if they know everything. I am sure they are used to patients saying they read something online an attempt to self diagnose.


Good luck with the new doctor!

I know how hard it is to find someone you feel comfortable & confident in - I remember asking one to sit down for a minute because he was turning the door knob as I was trying to ask a question.

Message edited 1/5/2008 12:47:42 AM.

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

what area are you looking for a new doctor? i have a great female MD and she spends a lot of time with you when you have an appt with her

Message edited 1/5/2008 12:59:07 AM.

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

awww i'm sorry

i guess i'm lucky b/c i have never had that with my male GP - he is a wonderful man and *VERY* thorough and caring - unfortunately, he stopped accepting new patients a while back and the word on the street is he should be retiring soon...

in any event - there is a female doc at his practice i hear is great. also, if you need a last minute appt i LOVE seeing the two NPs they have - one is a male but, much like my doc, is fantastic! the other is a female and i adore her.

the practice is in smithtown - brooksite drive. there are quite a few docs in it - my doc is dr. franco and DH had to sign up with dr. belding (another male in the practice - he was very nice but i'm partial to dr. franco) but DH had to go with belding b/c franco was no longer accepting new patients.

but the female doc's name is Dr. Kristin O'Brien and she is in that practice - the NP's names are Kevin and Mona - great staff, overall - really great.

hope that helps - you can just google the number - i don't know it off-hand

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

I could reccomened a good female MD in Stony Brook. She uses a combonation of western and "alternative" type medicine, although I hesitate to use that term. I'm sure she would be very responsive to your issues.

I have to say, she tends to have a very very long wating list, just as a warning.

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

Unfortunately all doctor's are not created equal. So sorry you've had bad experiences but dont let that stop you from getting yearly physicals. I would get a recommnedation for a new doctor and then set up an appointment for a new patient physical...(you may have to wait a couple of weeks for one). But this is where they will take all of your medical history, do an exam, do bloodwork, etc. When they make your appointment, they will know you're coming in for a physical and will book a big window of time for the appointment. Good luck

Re: Question about starting w/ a new primary care physician

i would get a pyshical exam done and ask them to run a battery of blood test (espiscally for the blood clotting)

If you truely have advanced problem with blood or something specfic, you will not be seeing a PCP..You would be referred to a specialiist...

Depending on you insurance, you can go straight to specialist but most insurance compaines want a refferal from PCP...