having trouble with docs not calling back

[Anonymous]

hi anyone else have trouble with docs from Georgetown not calling back? I have called a number of times - like once a week for three weeks to have an question answered and no one has called me back. I left messages for my doc and a mfm doc - this is about something that is important to the pregnancy I am not just being difficult . I am considering changing practices - this happened in my last preg too but it was not as urgent as this is. Even though it has been three weeks I am hoping that it is not too late for the information that I need. I will be crushed if I lose another baby - when it could have been prevented. Any insight on how to get them to call back would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

No offense, but if it's something important and it might result in a lost pregnancy, I'd be calling every hour, not once a week. Also, do you have an email address for your Dr.? I sometimes find that's an easier way to get a hold of them. But seriously, the squeaky wheel get the grease. I'd call them religiously, make it your job, and do not let up. Maybe even ask for one of the nurses to call you back. Sometimes they can get better results than just the admin staff at the front desk.

[Anonymous]

If it were a concern about a possible miscarriage, there is absolutely no way I would wait 3 weeks for an answer. In fact, if I could not get someone to answer my question, I would switch practices immediately. Alternately, you could just show up at the office and demand someone speak with you. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

op here there is not a chance of m/c as far as I know - I lost a baby some months back I was in my third trimester due to clotting issues - that I didn't have before this preg and was told that I would be put on blood thinners as soon as I got a positive test but here I am at 10 weeks and have been trying to get in at a hemotologist or getting the the docs to call back when I have told them that I can't get in - I don't know the timeline for the blood thinners so I am hoping that waiting is not harming the baby. It is frustrating that no one calls back - the high risk dr even called the hematologist for me and spoke to them and they said they would call with an appt. I waited a week and tried the hematologist office and they had no idea what I was talking about- the dr never told them that they had spoken to the high risk dr. I do not want to be pushy but as I said I don't know the timeline and no one will call me back to let me know if my fears are unfounded - I would think since I delivered a healthy stillborn not too long ago they would be a little sensitive and actually call back.
Thanks for your help

[Anonymous]

That's so terrible-- I'm so sorry for your loss! Did the MFM mention taking baby aspirin until you can get on the blood thinners? I saw Dr. Landy before becoming pregnant w/ my second and she suggested taking baby aspirin. However, that suggestion was based on my history of preeclampsia-- I've been tested, but do not have any of the more common clotting issues. I mention it because she said that while there was no proof it works, it's very safe.

Anyway, I never had a problem getting through to Dr. Landy, but I switched practices for other reasons. FWIW, I saw the hemotologist at VHC during my first pregnancy and got an appointment within a week. Although I can't remember his name, the guy there is great.

[Anonymous]

op here thanks I am on baby aspirin. Thank you for the help-

[Anonymous]

Egads! Time for some new docs, I guess. So sorry but that sounds serious enough that I would not tolerate the no callbacks! I so hope all goes well for you in this pregnancy!!!

[Anonymous]

I would call back, talk to a nurse, and be pushy! Say that you do not understand why you have not heard from anyone and this isn't resolved. probably you will ultimately feel better if you switch practices but you may get faster results by calling 2-3 times tomorrow and getting a nurse (not that receptionists on the phone). I'm sorry to hear this - I go to this practice and so far it's been good - I had a bleeding episode and they were very aggressive about getting me into the dr that day.

[Anonymous]

I just went through this same nightmare with Georgetown and ended up having to switch. After Dr Landy specifically told me I needed something within a one week window, I left a vm a day for 8 days & never received a call back. It was the most frustrating cycle - the nurses say you need to talk to Agatha, she won't call back or transfers you to a nurse who says she can't help you. Switched drs & was seen the same day & the problem was dealt with within the timeframe. The stress & waste of time dealing w/ GU was not worth it.

[Anonymous]

My doc has a nurse on call all day long and if you call after hours she calls back next morning. I just love it.
I would def look for another practice.

[Anonymous]

I was having a problem with returned calls at a different office and I switched to Foxhall in upper NWDC and always have had my calls -- none of which were particularly urgent -- returned within 24 hours.

[Anonymous]

Wow I was a patient of Dr Collea's at GUH and I never had an issue with the nurse line returning my calls. I would call in my problem. If the nurse line could not resolve, they would check with the doctor or attending and call me back. It might take a few hours, but they always called back the same day.

[Anonymous]

I am a patient of Dr. Collea's as well and think he would be furious to learn that this was happening to you. I think you need to say something at your next MFM appt and find out exactly what to do in case you don't hear back.

I would just drive over there the next non-snowy day and demand to talk to someone right then.

[Anonymous]

Or what about calling after hours- then you are guareenteed to get a doctor or fellow on the phone.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all of your help