Question:
Who performs your fills?
My doctor's office keeps trying to pawn me off on their newly hired physician's assistant to perform everything from follow-up appointments to fills. Is this normal? I'm not comfortable with the PA and need some advice on how to handle the situation. I feel like I purchased one thing and brought home another. Please HELP! — freckles123 (posted on April 14, 2008)
April 14, 2008
Perhaps you should explain your concerns with the surgeon. I would. Tell
his office that you need to speak with him and don't take no for an answer.
— dyates2948
April 14, 2008
You have a right to voice your opinion of course. I do however think this
is the way of the world at this time. Do you have a problem with the PA
and their abilities? Are they painful or don't listen or something.
Doctors, especially surgeons bill at a much higher rate than physicians
assistants. In every case of surgery in our family we ended up in the
hands of a PA...they were always used as a mid point to the surgeons. I
also found they know how to filter real problems from the usual group of
normal issues.
I think it is normal...but by all means state your case.
— [Deactivated Member]
April 14, 2008
The first fill I had was not by the nurse in the office. She had trouble
finding the post and rooted area which was a bit uncomfortable. I did see
the dr on that visit for about 30 seconds. My next fill was done by the dr
and was pain free and the nurse was there along with a student that was
being trained. But again the dr did the fill talked to me for about 1 -
2minutes and left. The nurse asked all the questions and follow up part of
the visit. The PA probably has more time to spend with you and unless
there is a reason that you don't want to see the PA you are probably better
off than with the dr.
— changemyshape
April 14, 2008
I see my PA for all my fills and follow up appts initially and then the
surgeon comes in to chat for about a whole 5 minutes just to go over weight
loss, questions or concerns.
— Karen M.
April 14, 2008
With the numbers of WLS's on the rise every year, I believe it is common
practice for PAs and ARNPs to be very involved in the care of us WLS
patients. The office practice is just so busy that most likely the surgeon
just can't do it all. If you are unhappy- communication is the answer.
Talk to your surgeon, PA and/or office manager to get your opinions heard
and be your own advocate to get the care you desire.
Good luck,
Dawn Vickers
— DawnVic
April 15, 2008
I think it's pretty normal...as long as you're getting SOME time with the
surgeon even if it's a small amount. I finally met my surgeon just a few
days before surgery. I was her last appointment on Friday...I think she
was leaving on vacation. Prior I saw her assistant (nice guy). She seemed
exhausted (no kidding!) but yet I work too so I understand. Bottom line is
she has an excellent reputation in the community so I had faith I'd be in
good hands on the day of the surgery. That was 3 months ago and I'm doing
great. Not a single problem. I haven't thrown up once....I'm down about
55 lbs.
— cjjordan
April 15, 2008
My surgeon did my fist fill. His PA just set up the materials for him.
— bnbarre
April 15, 2008
Pleasantly tell them you are not comfortable with a PA. You would rather be
seen by the doctor you have come to trust.
— nascar_angel_3_2003
April 16, 2008
My drs office does the same thing. The Dr's wife is a nurse practioner and
she sees all the patients after surgery and she does the fills.
— Joanc
April 20, 2008
The PA did my fill and it worked initially when I tried to drink the water
she gave me in the office. But since then, I have been able to eat almost
as before. I have only thrown up once since the surgery which was January
14 of this year. I am not losing any weight though. I may have lost 10
pounds since the surgery. Good luck.
— a_new_me_in_08
Click Here to Return