Had a follow up Tuesday. Understood it was supposed to include some testing to start figuring out when I could be cleared for return to work. During the visit the doctors only asked questions. There were no empirical cognitive, memory or reaction tests done. What are they waiting for?
Saw psychologists and neuropsychologists during the visit. They all seemed surprised that I wanted some insight into when and how a return to work determination would be made. Had to press to get a commitment to come up with a projection! First step, they say, is an evaluation that will include empirical cognitive, memory and reaction tests. They told me it takes a long time to get the evaluation approved. How long? Oh, at least six weeks they said! Why wasn't this part of a care plan that was developed before I was released from the hospital?
The doctors will do a report calling for the testing then submit that to insurance. Once insurance approves and only then (that's a quote) the tests will be scheduled. Okay, how long till the report is ready? A day, two days? Oh, no, no, five to ten days maybe more. Argh, I feel like I'll be ready to be back to work before the testing happens!
Why does it seem like the system has no interest in defining a desired outcome, in this case return to work, and then planning the steps needed to accomplish that?
And why does it seem follow up is so poor? I've broken things before; wrist, knee cap, toe. Every time x-rays have been taken and follow up x-rays scheduled to check on the progress of the healing. Granted I've never broken bones in my head or fractured vertebra before but, based on prior experience, I'd expect a desire for follow up images to check on the progress of the healing. No doctors have even mentioned that. I think I have follow up to do to get additional images taken or at least explanations of why they aren't needed. The more "health care" I experience the more concerned I become about the case management part of it.
Seems that someone left the "care" out of health care.
ReplyDeleteAlways be your own advocate.
Alan,
ReplyDeleteGet well soon. My prayers go out to you.
Tom Bucci
Since you're not doing much, your best bet is to request copies of your patient records from the hospital and doctors and read them.
ReplyDeleteYou will gain an understanding of what's been done which will help you assess what you want done in the future.
Use the internet to research items you don't understand.
I just went through an issue where I fired all of my doctors and hired new ones who were better able to provide my healthcare.
If nothing else, gaining an understanding of your health records is always beneficial.