The Story: (This letter, sent to me by my patient, is reproduced verbatim and tells the whole story.)
Dr. Saadah: This information is intended to give you some background to go with the medical records sent to you from Hospital. I had some problems early the night of May 26th and went to the emergency room to get checked out. The following is a summary of what transpired—
Entered Hospital thru the emergency room on 5/26 approx 2:30 am.
Testing on 5/26 after being admitted:
Heart Cath. on 5/28 -- did not find blockage, no stent -- Dr said that he saw something at the "Y" of the aorta -- possibly aneurysm. He wanted to make sure what was there, if anything. Scheduled for lab work and then cat scan the following week.
Dr changed medications, said to call office to schedule a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks.
Appt. scheduled with Dr's office on 6/22 at 2:15.
Waited for about 1 hr 45 mins. in exam room. No one checked in etc.
Finally someone checked in to see if I needed anything. At that time heard Dr's voice arrive in the office. Dr saw patient in the room next door. Then no more sounds. Checked again with nurse -- she said that Dr had gone to meet with the CEO.
Left the office approx 4:15. Asked for a phone call to get test results.
6/24/2010 Phoned office in am -- asked for test results.
Someone in office phoned approx 3pm. Explained circumstances of previous appointment. Individual who phoned was "curt". Asked if can expect a phone call today -- answer was "not to expect a call today".
6/28/2010 Phoned again. Notified that they were in process of office relocation, and that the office manager would be given the message. No response was received.
7/1/2010 Phoned again, after 5 so that I could leave a message with message service. I told them that I didn't think Dr was getting message. Please have him call with results. No call.
7/6/2010 Called Dr’s office and asked for my records to be copied.
7/7/2010 Got a call from Dr's office manager about records. I told her I wanted them sent to your office.
Dr. Saadah, I would like for you to look at my tests, particularly the cat scan of the aorta artery, and see if you think there is a need for me to go see another doctor. They have taken me off Metformin and Indapamide. Replaced Metformin with another drug; and Put me on Pepcid and a Beta Blocker.
If I need to make an appointment to discuss these tests I will be happy to do so.
The Messages:
a) It was discourteous of the sub-specialist not to call a concerned patient awaiting the verdicts of his results.
b) It was wrong to change the patient's medicines without informing the primary care specialist of the change.
c) It was wrong not to alert the patient to get a quick follow-up appointment with his primary care specialist to check the metabolic consequences of the change of medicines, which could have been very serious.
d) It was wrong to ignore the patient's demands and to treat the patient disrespectfully.