Can you take a family member from a LTC to visit a different Physician?

[Starletta, CNA]

As the title says: Can you take a family member out of a LTC facility for an appointment with a Physician of your choice?

My mom is in a Nursing Home (long term) and I rarely, if at all see the Home's Physician or his P.A. He also has a G.P. Practice in the same town. I called his P.A. once in the past about a concern and she just argued with me. Nothing solved.

My mom is 86, with slight to normal dementia. I still take her out and about. Last Fall I took her to a Tennis Court and she was hitting the ball against the backdrop, and self-volleying!!

Never missed it unless I tossed it to her incorrectly. This was all done in her wheelchair!

Something strange started last week. Very "spacey", so weak she could barely talk, "Zombie" like. She said her head hurt quite badly. Holding her Temples.

I took her pulse several times yesterday and it varied from 58 to 63. Normals are 60-100.

The LPN took her pulse once, got 63, said it was normal, gave her a Tylenol. Done.

I don't think she'll last in this condition much longer. It very well could be due to aging, but I'd like to take her to a Cardiologist to be sure.

Could I ask for copies of her records, med chart and tell them I'm taking her for a Doctor's visit? Or would they frown upon that and say she has to see the Facilities Dr.?

She is on Medicaid if that makes a difference.

Or just ask for copies of the records, med chart, as I'd like to see them? Then take her "Out" for the day and go to a Cardiologist?

Thank you....

[hookyarnandblanket]

Are you her medical DPOA? I would think if you are, the facility could not prevent you from taking her to see a specialist. When I worked LTC, family members took their loved ones to Dr. appointments out of town and facility all the time.

[Starletta, CNA]

Are you her medical DPOA? I would think if you are, the facility could not prevent you from taking her to see a specialist. When I worked LTC, family members took their loved ones to Dr. appointments out of town and facility all the time.

Thank you very much! My sister is her "Power of Attorney", but honestly, never questions anything.

My mom made my sister POA in the 1980's.

I'm the one who questions when things don't look right. Example: Her briefs were soaked, causing my mom it itch her buttocks until they bled! Long bloody scratches.

I took photos with my cell phone and WENT to the Director of Nursing to show her and question how often the briefs get changed. My sister would never had done that.

I'm not a pain in the orifice over every little thing. I know they are understaffed. Just the big stuff.

We take my mom out all the time. So, I'll just take her out and bring her to another Doctor for a second opinion.

She could be declining, which I accept. I just want a second opinion.

Sorry for another question: If I brought her to her previous G.P., would he want to get involved? If he suggested different Meds., would the House Physician ignore his requests?

Thank you again... :)

[hookyarnandblanket]

It is probably a better idea to let your sister handle this, especially if it involves something medical. I don't know all the laws but I would think you could be held liable if something should happen if you aren't the medical DPOA.

[caliotter3]

Get your sister to accompany you. Each can help the other deal with this and your mom will enjoy having both daughters with her at the same time.

[Starletta, CNA]

Get your sister to accompany you. Each can help the other deal with this and your mom will enjoy having both daughters with her at the same time.

Unfortunately, my sister isn't very hands on when it comes to my mother's care.

I did get a resolution though. I called the P.A. who comes to the Nursing Home and she totally understood my concerns and wrote out a "Consult" sheet. :)

So I called a Cardiologist and Neurologist and have appointments set up with both. :)

Thank you again for all the suggestions! I really do appreciate it.