So, during the pandemic my family doctor, who is American, went back to her country, leaving me without a medical professional.
When the pandemic ended, I went in search of a new family doctor in my city in British Columbia. However I couldn’t find one. I did find a nurse practitioner who can do most of what a doctor can do, including prescriptions.
In October, 2022, she asked me to do a standard physical at Life Labs so I did. She called me on the phone later to say everything was fine.
However, 8 months later, in June, I was called by an outpatient medical clinic asking me to come in for an EKG. Confused, I asked why. And they said it was triggered by my visit to LifeLabs and requested by my primary care provider.
I went for the EKG, which ended up being an ultrasound. That was June 27.
Then I waited. And waited. And waited. Nothing.
I finally called my NP and asked why I haven’t heard back on what the results were and the receptionist said it’s standard practice to only contact patients if follow-up is necessary. But I felt like something must have triggered the follow-up EKG/ultrasound so I wish I’d been told what that was and why I visited the hospital for it.
However, the tone of the receptionist made me think it’s the normal way and I’m just being entitled.
Yeah, you always think of the negative stories you’ve heard. For example, my accountant’s husband had an operation and the surgeon didn’t do a follow-up with him and he passed away from a blood clot. The widow feels that if the surgeon had done better follow-up care he could have sought help and lived. I guess I just want that reassurance that I’m being looked after and not just another number in a health care system.
I also recognize it could be a time sink to call and say “hey everything’s fine” but it sure would make me feel better/appreciated as a human being.