dr's referrals - how long does it take your dr to make the appt?

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phoenix54
phoenix54 Member Posts: 223
edited June 2014 in Canadians Affected by Breast Cancer

HI Everyone

i need some advice and hoping you will let me know your experiences. Each time i have needed to be referred to a specialist or go for a test or biopsy it is taking my dr 3 - 4 weeks to get to me with a time and date. and this is with me calling and calling and reminding and requesting. sometimes not so nicely and others with patience.



When i went for my original excisional biopsy after my abnormal ultra sound and mammogram it took 4 weeks of calls and bugging to finally get an appt - 1 month away..... most recently, i have to go for an US because i seem to have my period most of the time. it took 3 -1/2 wks to get the date for my US which was another 4 weeks away....



i think he is an ok dr (we have been with him for 24 years) but i hate the way he manages his office

and think it is unacceptable to have to wait this long to get the date. he says "welcome to the BC health care system"



so i am thinking i will change and try and find someone who is on top of these things. Another complaint is that he is taking so long in calling with test results. rather he doesn't call and when i do to follow up, they seem to be looking and looking for the test results. in fact my last mammogram info was not n my file 4 months after the appt....



what is your experience? and what would you do in my situation. i am feeling like i am falling through the cracks in my drs medical care.

Barb













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  • CaliforniaKate
    CaliforniaKate Member Posts: 258
    edited October 2007

    When I found out I had BC I felt that the doctor I had was a very nice man, but he wasn't what I needed. I needed someone who would listen to me, move quickly, and was well informed. I found one after three tries. I also discovered that I really like having a woman doctor, and she is much easier to relate too. If I need pre approval for a test, they contact my insurance company immediately. Usually talks up to a week for the companies approval. Then the doctors office schedules my tests or referral for the next possible date. Sometimes the tests or specialists your a being referred to have a waiting list, so that might take some time to be seen.

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited October 2007

    Where are you in Canada?

     I have had to wait a few weeks for tests myself.  Its annoying, but its the system.

     Having said that, just before my hysterectomy and ovaries out I had multiple ultrasounds and because the doctor was the chief of gynecology he had clout and I got my tests within a few days.

      So, it depends where you are in Canada and maybe the influence of your doctor.

    Wendy A

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