ARRRRRRGH…I just spent far too long trying to determine which lucky person would become my new doctor. For more than twenty-five years, I had a wonderful doctor at Group Health and then she retired. She was replaced by another fantastic woman who is now going to continue to work for Kaiser, but her new position won’t have her seeing patients. So, I have to find a new provider; and hopefully, before I need to have an appointment.
I have always been proactive when it comes to my health just as I was for my husband and children. The fact I was the editor for the last publication of the Textbook of Physiology and Biophysics, was of great benefit when it came to talking to doctors and understanding what they were saying back to me. Actually, there were times when I would have appreciated knowing a lot less about the human body and how it works.
Having a new doctor to “educate” doesn’t fill me with joy. Both my previous doctors “knew” me and would prescribe and/or advise via email without my having to trek into the office. Hopefully, whomever is the lucky provider of my health care will be able to access past information and communications. I would assume she will have access to My Chart. I can only hope she’ll be able to take a minute to look back and see my prior relationship(s); or that my current doctor will reach out and inform her as to my knowledge and understanding about my various conditions.
I’ve been extremely fortunate with the doctors who have cared for me for most of my adult life. I’m rather hoping this tradition can continue with whomever comes next, especially now that I’m OLD and have so many more complaints than in the past. Wish me luck.