Ugh. I am in something of a spot medically.

[Akoto]

The long and short of it is that I've been having intestinal issues almost exactly identical to those of my mom, who has IBS. I've had these issues my entire life, but I brushed them off as a kid, and I was too afraid (due to being medical-phobic) to bring them up as a younger adult. I just turned 33 this month and I'm kinda tired of not having a diagnosis, so I decided to tell my GP what was going on. She's referred me to a GI doctor.

This is less than 24 hours before I'm to see the guy, and my mom points out last minute that he has a bunch of reviews, mostly 1-2 stars. If I were to go by these reviews, he's a jerk and if you don't have GI issues, you will after having a conversation with him.

So, I don't know what to do. I'm physically disabled for other reasons and rely upon Medicaid, and not sure if they'd charge me for cancelling now. I found a better GI doc locally online, also takes Medicaid and has WAY better reviews. Ah, what to do?

Having phobias and panic issues stinks when it comes to unavoidable stuff like this. I'm bringing my dad with me, at least, because dad doesn't take any crap and won't let me be intimidated into a corner. I keep telling myself that if it's not going well, just tell the guy I don't think it's going to work out and thank him for his time. It's just a consult, that's what this is for. Easier said than done when you've got white coat going on, though!

[Squinch]

1. It's your health. I'd go to the better doctor and cancel on this one. If they charge you

to cancel, it might be worth the cost to know you are going to a good doctor.

[elleng]

2. I agree.

Best wishes to Akoto.

[catbyte]

3. What Squinch said.

I hope everything goes well for you.

[Squinch]

4. Keep us posted. Let us know how it goes.

[GeorgeHayduke]

5. You've got an opportunity

For a second opinion. Maybe go see both. Evaluate them. Take the better course of action for you. Perhaps it would allow you an expanded set of options and more appropriate Tx?

*I don't know what seeing two doctors entails with repect to Medicaid billing, so my opinion could likely be stupid.

[Fla Dem]

13. This is a good idea.

But I guess if she is going to be charged if she cancels she might as well see both.

[GeorgeHayduke]

15. Exactly my thought.

Monopolize on both opportunities. Stack the odds in the patient's favor. Get several perspectives. Double the outcomes.

[marylandblue]

6. GIs don't routinely charge for cancellations

And if you didn't sign any paperwork saying you agree to a cancellation charge, they can't make you pay it anyway.

[still_one]

7. If they charge you for cancelling an appointment less than 24 hours, and you cannot afford that cost

then keep the appointment. As a patient you are entitled to obtain a second opinion, but also if you do not feel comfortable with the physician, as a patient you have the right to see another doctor.

Being an informed consumer is always a good idea, and as a patient, you have the final say in your treatment, if any is suggested.

All the best

[nocalflea]

8. I have IBS and it's important to have a doctor you can trust.

Some procedures are intimate and you need to feel comfortable with your doctor. You need someone who will talk you through these things and that requires a good bedside manner and most importantly compassion.

I hope things go well for you.

[Akoto]

10. That's part of the concern.

My disability also happens to be pelvic in nature, and all of the specialists who've cared for it have advised avoiding further invasive procedures down there (colonoscopies included) unless absolutely necessary. I'd be willing to do the pill cam thing, but I'd have to say no to something like aforementioned procedure. The response from a jerk versus a caring doctor may well be a large difference.

I guess we'll find out. I only scheduled for a consult, so if I'm not cool with this guy, I can walk out. (Easier said than done for me)

[nocalflea]

14. Bad joke: IBS can be a real pain in the ass.

Barium enemas was a fav. of my doc. Don't know if that would be too invasive for you. The worst part for me was the prep. Though the enema ain't too fun either.

Maybe ultrasound , but that's nothing to fear. I don't know how effective a tool it is though.

It sounds like you've been through a great deal already, so I know you have the strength to get through this and your parents being there is invaluable.

Trust your instincts.

[3catwoman3]

9. Call your GP and tell her about the reviews that you have read...

...and that they concern you. Ask her what she likes about him. A consultation does not commit you to any course of action.

Sometimes, with on-line reviews, people post crap just because they can.

When I refer kids to specialists, I always tell parents to expect a more direct and business-like bedside manner than they are accustomed to in our pediatric office.

I'm glad you are taking your dad with you.

[Akoto]

12. I wouldn't worry if it were just two or three random reviews...

But we're talking more like fifteen at just one location. That, and my mom saw him as well and didn't have a great experience, although this was a while ago. There are special considerations about what procedures he can do (no colonoscopies, etc) due to my physical disability, as well, and I need someone who isn't going to get ticked over that.

I dunno. I guess we'll see. The time just isn't there to talk to my GP ahead of the appointment. Her office isn't that quick about things.

[Phoenix61]

11. I think 3catwoman3 had great advice

If you trust your GP ask why she referred you to this doc. My now ex-husband had Hep-C. Our GP said there were 2 docs she would recommend. One was great clinically but had a sucky bed side manner, the other was really nice but not as good clinically. We went with the sucky bedside manner. And yes, he was an ass but great clinically.

[Hoyt]

16. Those reviews are usually BS, even good ones. But cancel and see the other doc

if that makes you feel better. Your idea in last paragraph will work too.

[WhiteTara]

17. Call first thing in the morning,

say the car is stuck or whatever, but just cancel and don't tell them you found someone else. Normally they don't charge. Good luck with the better doc.