Doctor Vacations
Here’s the deal… I’m going through some serious health issues right now. I have Hypokalemia which is low Potassium. I’ve been on all types of Potassium medications and have been eating high Potassium foods. My blood tests keep coming back with lower Potassium levels each time I have it checked.
My doctor put me on what I thought was a new medication last week and I’m scheduled for another blood test on Friday. I just figured out that what was thought to be new is just a different form of the same medication.
I also learned that my Primary Care Physician who’s handling all of this is on vacation - for six weeks. I don’t know if she’s on a cruise, in the Outer Banks, in a jungle where there’s no phone service, but she’s gone.
Another doctor that I haven’t met and doesn’t know me is taking over for her. He’s the one that prescribed the medication and ordered the blood test. I’m so angry right now I could spit.
How do you think my doctor should have handled this situation? How long does your doctor go on vacation? Does he or she let you know in advance, especially if you’re in the middle of a serious health situation?
My doctor doesn’t take vacation. He is a typical workaholic. And it concerns me. I want him to stay healthy and stress free and keep looking after me for very long time.
Rachel M’s last blog post..Wellsphere
Hi Connie,
How frustrating for you! My rheumatologist takes vacations, but she is usually only gone for a week or two. Six weeks is a long time to have to deal with a new physician who doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on. Hang in there!
Julia’s last blog post..e-Patients
Wow! Six weeks is a long time. I only had one doctor in my past that took an extended vacation due to he was ill from just being diagnosed with cancer. He eventually returned to working for several months, before deciding to retire. Unfortunately, he has past away now.
My regular doctor only goes on one week vacations and then through out the year a few extra days like on Fridays. He has notification posted on main door, the window, and in each examination room. Unless, I have gone to see my doctor during the time the advanced notice is posted, I would NOT have any other way of knowing.