Jul 18, 2008

Things That Make You Go "Hmmmm"

Yesterday "Nuclear Medicine" called me and said that Dr. M, who is a cardiologist wanted me to come in and finish the "resting" portion of the stress test, even though there was nothing wrong with the "exercise" portion of the test... nor was there anything "remarkable" about all of the other tests they gave me while I was in the hospital for "observation".

When I then asked why... I was told that Dr. M wanted a complete test. Now the reason for my "Hmmm"?

1. The "just because" reasoning doesn't sit well with me. I'm not willing to pay for a test that's not needed "just because".

2. Dr M. is not the cardiologist who read my test results while I was in the hospital.

3. Nor was he the cardiologist who came to talk to me after looking at the results. I have never even met Dr. M.!

I called my primary physician's office and asked them about it. The nurse said she doesn't understand why they'd want a test "just because" either. I'm having the records of my observational stay forwarded to my primary doctor, and see what she says.

I called Nuclear Medicine back and told them what I wanted to do, and the nurse says: "Oh so do you want Dr M to transcribe the test results?" What??? She then tells me he just looked at the results on the computer screen, he didn't transcribe them because he wanted to wait until I did the "resting" part. Uhh, no. Transcribe and get them to my doctor.

11 comments:

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

I would have done the same thing1 good girl!

Chiloe said...

Don't worry about it: Dr M won't forget to send you ...the bill ;-) Maybe he wanted a blind date ? lol

CJ in OK ;-) said...

Unreal. So glad you kept questioning it until you got an explanation. Take care, CJ

Deirdre said...

Weird...hopefully you will get the answers you need from your GP!

Lori said...

I have nominated you blog for the Brilliant blog award! the rules for passing this on to others are on my blog.. listed below..I felt honored to be nominated and I hope you feel the same!
hugs

Lori said...

Meari, I am nominating you for the Brilliant Blog Award..you can see all the details on my blog and pass it along to someone deserving!
Hugs!
Lori K
http://love2quilt22002.blogspot.com/

Lisa said...

At least it isn't Dr. House wanting to inject you with all kinds of stuff and put you through all kinds of crazy tests...LOL. Seriously, I agree, getting your primary MD involved is what you have to do. :-)

Nancy M said...

Maybe that's why health care costs are so high in the US, but the *care* isn't. Hope you find out more from the GP!!!

stitcherw said...

Wow, you certainly have been having a time. I'm glad that they haven't found anything series, but it would be nice if they could pinpoint something so that they could prevent if from happening anymore. I think you made the right decision on the test, it sure did sound odd that they wanted another "just because" when all the others were fine, and then to find out he hadn't even transcribed the notes yet. Kind of sounds like tests for tests sakes attitude. Hopefully your regular doctor can make sense of it all. Take care,
Sue

Jenna said...

Yeah, I think I would have reacted as you did. Something not kosher there and no need to run more tests to pad their bank accounts.

Sharon said...

I can't blame you for that! One of my major pet peeves! Unfortnately it's mostly about those Ben Franklins!