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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by highhatsize on December 15, 2010, at 20:35:30
I have moved to Houston, TX after ten years in S.F., CA. When I moved to CA from NYS over ten years ago, I already had prescriptions for the eleven maintenance drugs that I currently take, some of which are Controlled Substances.
On my first office visit with my new primary care doctor here in TX, I presented him with a list of my meds. He, in turn, presented me with the business cards of five specialists whom he said I would have to convince to sign off on my maintenance drugs before he would give me refillable prescriptions.
Three of these gentlemen don't accept my insurance; one said that he NEVER prescribed narcotics, and the fifth wanted me to undergo a program that had nothing to do with either depression or arthritis.
I take this as a none-too-subtle hint that I should go away.
The strategy that I have decided to pursue is to sign up with an Internist at the U of T Medical Center in Houston. All the other specialists would be under one roof and I believe that doctors employed by academic institutions feel more protected against DEAzilla than those in private practice.
Any advice? Any tips specific to Houston from fellow Depressives? Since I have been stable for ten years on the same drug regimen, I don't want to change ANYTHING.
(help!)
Posted by Phillipa on December 15, 2010, at 21:12:34
In reply to HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by highhatsize on December 15, 2010, at 20:35:30
Being stable should help and the doc can get your records from your previous docs. Good luck with this. Phillipa
Posted by Solstice on December 15, 2010, at 22:33:35
In reply to HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by highhatsize on December 15, 2010, at 20:35:30
> I have moved to Houston, TX after ten years in S.F., CA. When I moved to CA from NYS over ten years ago, I already had prescriptions for the eleven maintenance drugs that I currently take, some of which are Controlled Substances.
>
> On my first office visit with my new primary care doctor here in TX, I presented him with a list of my meds. He, in turn, presented me with the business cards of five specialists whom he said I would have to convince to sign off on my maintenance drugs before he would give me refillable prescriptions.Well.. Highhatsize, you have indeed moved from one of the most 'liberal' states in the union - to one of the most conservative :-)
It sounds like the primary care doctor you encountered is being appropriately cautious. He doesn't know you - and a request for 11 medications, some of which are controlled, probably raised a red flag for him. He probably gave you cards since you aren't from the area and would need referrals. He'd probably be fine if you saw the same types of specialists - but ones that are on your insurance plan. He just wants your medication regimen reviewed - and that really is very reasonable.
I hope you find what you need.
Solstice
Posted by highhatsize on December 16, 2010, at 10:07:51
In reply to Re: HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by Solstice on December 15, 2010, at 22:33:35
to Solstice,
I tried to assuage my new primary care doctor's concern by having my records from the UC Med Center faxed to him before my first visit. I didn't see them myself but the primary care doc's reaction to them suggests that they were random excerpts rather than comprehensive. He also expressed unfamiliarity with some of the meds, although they are not esoteric.
I have since written my Internist in SF requesting that he write my new doc with assurances that the meds are appropriate and of long use.
The problem is that UCSF Med Center is the grave of written communication. Even though I sent my letter via certified mail and received the return receipt, there is no guarantee that my old doc will actually get it. (This has happened before.) Then, if he HAS received it, he will actually have to write a letter or pick up the phone.
I have since telephoned to see if he actually received the letter and has responded as requested but have received no reply.
The odds are that I will have to receive all my medical treatment through the U of T which is inconveniently far away. But I still remember my youth when one's g.p. would treat most disorders and only refer one to a specialist when obviously necessary.
- highatsize
N > > I have moved to Houston, TX after ten years in S.F., CA. When I moved to CA from NYS over ten years ago, I already had prescriptions for the eleven maintenance drugs that I currently take, some of which are Controlled Substances.
> >
> > On my first office visit with my new primary care doctor here in TX, I presented him with a list of my meds. He, in turn, presented me with the business cards of five specialists whom he said I would have to convince to sign off on my maintenance drugs before he would give me refillable prescriptions.
>
> Well.. Highhatsize, you have indeed moved from one of the most 'liberal' states in the union - to one of the most conservative :-)
>
> It sounds like the primary care doctor you encountered is being appropriately cautious. He doesn't know you - and a request for 11 medications, some of which are controlled, probably raised a red flag for him. He probably gave you cards since you aren't from the area and would need referrals. He'd probably be fine if you saw the same types of specialists - but ones that are on your insurance plan. He just wants your medication regimen reviewed - and that really is very reasonable.
>
> I hope you find what you need.
>
> Solstice
>
>
>
Posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 13:40:27
In reply to Re: HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by highhatsize on December 16, 2010, at 10:07:51
> to Solstice,
>
> I tried to assuage my new primary care doctor's concern by having my records from the UC Med Center faxed to him before my first visit. I didn't see them myself but the primary care doc's reaction to them suggests that they were random excerpts rather than comprehensive. He also expressed unfamiliarity with some of the meds, although they are not esoteric.I think you probably hit the nail on the head when you referred to 'days-gone-by' :-) I think that between medical malpractice risks, the visibility of the drug addiction problems in this country, and the ever-increasing oversight of the DEA - doctors can't be relaxed about anything anymore. My mom's endocrinologist had acted as a primary care physician forever - but about 5 years ago he stopped prescribing anything except what is specifically related to endocrine disorders (thyroid, diabetes, etc.) He won't even give flu shots! I think that especially with medications used to treat mental health issues, other doctors are quick to not want to be involved. It's just these days and time, I guess.
What you're going through is a hassle for sure - and I think it must be very frustrating that your previous doctor is not being responsive to his responsibility to provide good transfer of care.
Hopefully you've got enough of a supply to get you through the transition..
Solstice
Posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 19:20:15
In reply to Re: HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds » highhatsize, posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 13:40:27
Sure is the truth at least around here also. Everything is a referral out to a specialist in that field. Phillipa ps I also remember the good old days
Posted by highhatsize on December 16, 2010, at 19:50:08
In reply to Re: HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2010, at 19:20:15
Dear Solstice & Phillipa,
Now that I have had time to ruminate on the possibility, going to the U of T Medical Center at Houston for all my medical needs wouldn't be such a bad idea. When I was younger, I lived in the Hamptons on Long Island. One would think that the hospitals there would be first rate because of the high household income of the residents. What I discovered, due to being the caregiver for my elderly parents, was that the local hospitals were actually crap and the local doctors were 2nd rate (with exceptions). One had to travel about forty miles west to the U of NY at Stony Brook to get 1st rate care. None of the wealthy on the East End used the local hospitals except for emergency care, they all went to NYC.
I assume the same is true of the community in which I now reside. One gets the best care at a teaching hospital.
Posted by Solstice on December 16, 2010, at 22:40:03
In reply to Re: HOUSTON: New Doctors; Lots Of Old Maintenance Meds, posted by highhatsize on December 16, 2010, at 19:50:08
Hi Highhatsize -Don't know where in Houston you live - but there's also UTMB in Galveston (University of Texas Medical Branch).
They have a sizeable Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Department - and many of their specialty clinics moved onto the 'mainland' after Ike.
You deserve the best care you can find - and it seems smart to put it all in one place if you can.
Solstice
> Dear Solstice & Phillipa,
>
> Now that I have had time to ruminate on the possibility, going to the U of T Medical Center at Houston for all my medical needs wouldn't be such a bad idea. When I was younger, I lived in the Hamptons on Long Island. One would think that the hospitals there would be first rate because of the high household income of the residents. What I discovered, due to being the caregiver for my elderly parents, was that the local hospitals were actually crap and the local doctors were 2nd rate (with exceptions). One had to travel about forty miles west to the U of NY at Stony Brook to get 1st rate care. None of the wealthy on the East End used the local hospitals except for emergency care, they all went to NYC.
>
> I assume the same is true of the community in which I now reside. One gets the best care at a teaching hospital.
This is the end of the thread.
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