We have some of the best doctors in the world right here in our own backyard, but how good is your actual care? A recent experience has forced me to reevaluate my healthcare, and what, if anything, I can do about it.
My mother had what we thought was a TIA, as her functions seemed to return to normal right away, but it was actually a minor stroke. She was treated at Scripps Encinitas. Everyone was wonderful, telling her how amazing she was, etc, but there was little information given to her on her condition. For example, no doctor reported to her on the results of her multiple tests for hours! She was waiting to be released after the last test, which was supposed to be at 7:30 am. She was not released until 5pm that afternoon, and no one ever came to tell her the results of the final test.
There is so much anxiety when you are waiting for results in a hospital. Communication is so important. Having to bug the nurses all day to check and keep checking is about all you can do. You have to be assertive without being too aggressive.
Follow up after hospitalization is even worse. Our instructions were to see the primary doctor within a few days, and the neurologist with 10 days. My primary doctor offered me the first available appointment in 3 weeks! The neurologists first appointment was in 2 months! This is NOT good medicine.
Now I am looking for a concierge doctor, but sadly, they all have wait lists. There has to be a better way. The point is, that even though we have great doctors and all the latest tests, it could still be weeks or months before you see the right doctor. By then, you might be dead.
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