Patient hand-offs

[Anxious Patient]

I subscribe to a patient blog - A recent discussion centered on patients who were upset that they had an appointment with their doctor, and ended up instead being examined by a PA or NP, feeling that they didn't get quality care.

The person who started this blog (a patient advocate) corrects the notion that patients are short-changed by this practice, and that patients can actually get better care from medical staff with a nursing background. From my own bad experience of being handed off to a clueless resident during a hospital stay, I found the following defense of NP/PA's very educational:

http://patients.about.com/b/2008/05/17/an-appointment-with-a-doctor-or-handed-off-to-somebody-else.htm

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

this is another example of how a little communication goes a long way. Perhaps if the patients were told ahead of time whom they would be seeing, and were given the option to wait, return or go elsewhere, they would not feel so put out. I prefer the NP, but many people do not. Just tell them!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I usually have been told ahead of time that I am seeing a NP/PA or MD. For most things the NP/PA are great, especially if need to be seen same day for Upper resp/sinus infections/etc.

I sometimes perfer the NP/PA. I feel that they listen better.

Recently I went to a new doc and was requesting a change in BP med due to wanting to try to get pregnant. I wanted to change so if I do become pregnant I will be able to continue taking the same med. However I do have allergies. I am allergic to sulfa, and he perscribed dyazide. There is a cross reaction in someone allergic to sulfa. I questioned him before I left the office. I picked up the med from the pharmacy, and read the instructions and side effects. They clearly stated that "If you have had a severe reaction to sulfa do not take without talking with your physician". I break out in a horrible hivey rash when I take bactrim. I called the office and told the nurse I refuse to take this and to change it. He tried to convince me to take it. I held my ground and refused. He finally did change it. I didn't want to chance a horrible rash or worse reaction. I called the pharmacy that filled it and they told me that they agreed that I shouldn't take it. I think a NP/PA would have listened to me much better.