Question:
Pulmonologist won't see me!!! What now??

My surgeon wants me to have an SP02 overnight monitor in my home; not a full blown sleep study. I called three pulmonologists who said they won't see me until I had that done. Well........HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO GET IT??? I called repeatedly and left voice mails to my surgeon's nurse (who hasn't ever called me back), I talked to my PCP who said he has had problems getting these before and then he wonders when the results actually do come in, THEN what??? I called a sleep clinic and they won't see me until mid-September just for a consultation. After that it could take 4-6 weeks just to schedule a sleep study. I'm so mad and confused. This and my blood pressure (which is now being regulated) are the only two things left before I can schedule a surgery date. I don't want to wait until Nov./Dec. because I have to go back to school in Jan. This is precisely why I took the fall off so I could have this surgery, not hunt down an SP02 monitor. Anyone's advice, support or suggestions is greatly appreciated! ; )    — Stephanie S. (posted on August 30, 2002)

August 30, 2002
Hi Stephanie. I have asthma and have been seeing pulmonologists and had every lung test there is, I think! The SP02 is a pulse oximetry test thats kept on your finger overnight to see if your oxygen level stays consistant while you sleep. When my PCP ordered this test he called a respiratory company and they set it up for me. My PCP happens to use Rotech. I checked and they have a website with many locations, so maybe there's a Rotech near you. Its worth a try. <a href="http://www.rotech.com">www.rotech.com</a>. They also provide me with the medicine that goes in my nebulizer each month. They deliver them by UPS and bill my insurance for it! Anyway, try them or a respiratory company near you. Your PCP will probably have one to suggest if Rotech isn't near you. Good Luck!
   — thumpiez

August 30, 2002
Stephanie, Have your PCP order the test and refer you to a pulmonologist...make sure the results got to the PCP and the lung guy...good luck!
   — Katherine M.

August 31, 2002
Hi Stephanie, If the only thing your doctor wants you to have is an overnight oximetry, and not an actual visit with the pulmonologist, here's what you do. Have your dr write you a prescription for oximetry, take it to a home medical supply company that carries oxygen and ask them to do it. If you have the prescription from the doctor, they will more than likely do it for you. However, if your 02 levels dip low enough that you would qualify for oxygen they wouldn't legally be allowed to use that report. But if your levels are ok, that should be good enough for your doctor! Hope this helps, Sherry
   — Sherry C.

August 31, 2002
Have your surgeon give you a written Rx and find a Medical Equipment company that has a Respiratory Therapist. Most can do this for you. Otherwise, have the surgeon's office give you a referal to a Pulmonologist who will do it. Best of Luck!! Hang in there!!
   — DeeDee B.

September 3, 2002
Thanks to everyone who replied!! They're bringing out a pulse proximeter tonight!! My PCP and my insurance work fast!!! I can't believe it!! My PCP called my insurance and they took care of the rest. They called the medical supply company for me and everything!!! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful PCP and insurance company. Now let's hope I'm blessed and have high enough oxygen levels to not require me to have a full blown sleep study!!! Thanks again!! This site and it's people are so wonderful! ; )
   — Stephanie S.