I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Centers => Dialysis: Doctors => Topic started by: RightSide on April 18, 2011, 03:21:52 PM

Title: I chose my neph to be my PCP
Post by: RightSide on April 18, 2011, 03:21:52 PM

I have an HMO, and I'm sick and tired of having to have my Primary Care Physician (PCP) write me a referral every time I want to go see any specialist (including my neph).

My neph is a good guy, he knows his business, and we get along well.

Since to become a neph, he had to first know Internal Medicine, I figured the best solution was to simply choose my neph to be my PCP.  I joked with him that he can always write me a referral to himself.

Besides, wouldn't you want a Primary Care Physician who knows a lot about kidney disease?

Title: Re: I chose my neph to be my PCP
Post by: jbeany on April 18, 2011, 04:05:20 PM

Makes sense to me.  My primary care physician is my internal medicine specialist - it's just easier that way.  It was the same at the last hospital before I moved.  I don't see any point in wasting my time with a GP who has little experience with all the complicated details of ESRD.  At least an internal medicine specialist has a better grasp of diabetic complications and the reality that goes with kidney failure and dialysis. 

Title: Re: I chose my neph to be my PCP
Post by: noahvale on April 18, 2011, 08:33:31 PM

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Title: Re: I chose my neph to be my PCP
Post by: Deanne on April 20, 2011, 10:13:31 AM

I have a PCP, but I haven't seen her for several years. Sometimes I think I should make an appointment just to make sure she still knows I exist, but I can never come up with a reason for it. Does a PCP have a purpose for a kidney disease patient?