Have you seen Dr. since you left Hospital?

Hiya Dianna! I see my surgeon at every visit, he doesnt have a PA. I've been three times (I think) since my surgery, and have another appointment this month. What is your surgeons reasons for passing you off onto the PA? I would think you should have a say in the matter as to who takes care of you. Are they checking your labs? Does your doc sign off on them? I wouldnt be happy about that either hon. Did the surgeon tell you BEFORE surgery that it would be this way??? I'll keep you in my prayers. God bless! Melanie

I've seen my doctor twice since surgery (May 28th) and am scheduled to see her again in September. She's one of the most important people in my life now.

Dianna- I can understand what you are saying. However, having worked for a ENT, plastic surgeon, the DR's did see some of their surgery pateints, but the majority of the time it was the PA. Alot of pateints felt the same way you are right now. However the ones that had the Dr's, were wanting the PA, why? Because they were 3 hours behind, or had emergency surgeries. They are so busy, plenty of times they had to be put in the hospital for rest. Yes they work that haed, they over worked them selves alot. It is scarry sometimes thinking are they this tired when they are in surgery? The PA gave much better follow up care, and if there was something wrong or complications, there was a surgeon right there to come in and see you. It might not have been your surgeon, cuz he could be in surgery, but there was always a surgeon there. I know it doesn't make everyone happy still, but that is what I saw from my office. Hope you can get in to see you surgeon. Take care- Melissa

Dianna, My Surgeon came in to see me everyday that I was in the Hospital,and I see him at every appt. I understand how you feel,I would prefer to see my Surgeon over a PA. I just think it's right. I've been seen by a PA before at my reg Doctors office and they do a great job. If you have any problems that you feel are not being taken seriously,then I would request to see your Surgeon. ~Jeanne -70 lbs

I have seen the ast-surgeon at my 1 week follow up, because my surgeon was out of town. I saw my surgeon at my 6 week appt. and I see him again later on this month. I do not think he has PA's. Diane Lap RNY -57.5# 250/192.5/105

I've read everyone posts again - and I aggree about waiting for the surgeon vs. seeing a PA on time. My time is just as valuable as anyone elses so who wants to wait around just to see a surgeon for 5 minutes? Not me. But, then again I have had ZERO complications - if I was having problems I would want to be sure the surgeon knew about it. My PA visits are never rushed visits. She asks a lot more questions. And knows what it's like to be a post-op first hand. My PA visits are 15 minutes vs. 5 minutes with a rushed surgeon. For the $15 co-pay I would rather have my PA for routine visits.

My doctor doesn't have a PA and I saw him everyday that I was in the hospital (2 times a day) and saw him at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery. My next appointment will be this month at 3 months after surgery. He told me that I will have to come and see him at least once a year for life for him to followup the lab work. I am very pleased with him there is a small wait sometimes but it's not too bad, not any worse than any other doctor you go to and probably better than most. Melissa -55

I am 3 months post op and my surgeon is over 4 hours away. I will not visit him until my 6 month checkup. We have free checkups for life with this surgeon (Dr. Williams/Dr. Champion). I go every three weeks to see my pcp. I had a list of questions on the last check up and had a lot to go over with my doctor. I told the nurse I needed to see him and not his pa for this reason. When it was time for my appointment the nurse took my vitals and ignored my request to see my doctor completely. She told me he was too busy to see me and I would have to see his pa. I told her that I should have been told in advance and I was very ticked off. I also explained my questions and told her if I wanted to see a student - I would go to the health dept. I also asked if they charge regular office visit prices to the insurance companies when people see the pa. She said they did. I walked out very angry. Needless to say they called me as soon as I got home and apologized. I went back to see the doctor the next time. I do not mind seeing the pa if I am on a simple follow up but I like to be told in advance.