Lack of Communication from My Primary Care Provider
I am a 60-year-old woman dealing with several chronic health issues, and I'm currently in the process of obtaining clearance for rotator cuff repair surgery. Recent lab results indicated a urinary tract infection, prompting my doctor to prescribe a round of antibiotics. After completing the medication, I reached out to my healthcare provider via the patient portal on Wednesday morning, around 9 or 10 a.m., to update her. However, by Thursday afternoon, I hadn't received any feedback and considered that she might be overwhelmed with messages. Consequently, I called the office later that day and left a voice message, simply to inform her so that she could initiate orders for a retest. Unfortunately, I still haven't heard back. Out of concern, I decided to contact the lab to check if the orders had been placed. To my disappointment, there was nothing on record. It's now another day without any communication. I understand that physicians are often swamped, but it's unusual for me not to have heard anything from this office, which has consistently been fairly responsive in the past. What should I do next? My shoulder pain is quite significant, and I also have other important appointments, including a mammogram and dental cleaning, that are pending.
Answers (1)
8/25/2025, 10:31:59 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandably frustrating when your healthcare communication fails to meet your expectations, especially concerning your health concerns and ongoing treatment plans. Here's a structured approach to address your situation regarding the lack of feedback from your primary care provider.
Main Points:
- Ensure your update about the urinary tract infection (UTI) has been acknowledged.
- Take immediate action to get your required retesting for the UTI.
- Consider alternative ways to follow up with your healthcare provider and manage your appointments effectively.
Explanation:
Your health issues, including the significant shoulder pain and ongoing management of chronic conditions like Multiple Sclerosis and Lupus, require prompt attention and communication. The delay in response from your healthcare provider can be concerning, particularly when lab results and treatment decisions are pending. It's important to advocate for your health while being proactive in obtaining necessary care.
Next Steps:
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Follow Up Again:
- Call the Office: Reiterate your request for the retest order regarding your UTI. Explain the urgency given your symptoms and upcoming appointments.
- Request to Speak with Another Staff Member: If you can’t reach your doctor, ask to speak with a nurse or office manager. They may be able to expedite your request or provide useful updates.
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Health Management for Shoulder Pain:
- Consider discussing pain management strategies such as applying ice or heat, gentle range-of-motion exercises, or over-the-counter pain relievers if they're appropriate for you. Keeping your shoulder immobile may also help reduce discomfort.
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Reassess Communication Needs:
- If you consistently experience delays, discuss the communication process with your doctor during your next appointment or create a plan on how to handle urgent issues in the future.
- If after multiple attempts you still obtain no response, it may be worth considering a second opinion or different care provider who can better meet your communication needs.
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Keep a Log:
- Document all interactions with your healthcare provider, including dates and details of your messages, calls, and any responses. This can provide a clear record when discussing your needs with the office or if considering a switch in providers.
Reassurance:
It’s important to remain proactive about your health, and your efforts to communicate your needs reflect your commitment to your wellbeing. Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself, and remember that timely follow-up from your healthcare provider is part of your care. Let me know how things progress or if you need further guidance!
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