Hi ALR,
Thanks for your response. Actually, it isn't "a" question, it was an attempt at starting a dialogue between PCPs and specialists. I don't think it really worked. I will try to respond to some of your comments.
Many times I am asking for advice. I don't usually ask about antibiotics. Just use Vigamox. UTI is a good example, but it should be on record that I have worked up and admitted more than I care to remember. Rash questions are good. Some can be extremely tough and a good dermatologist can fix it in minutes. Yes, these may be the questions, and yes from my perspective I would expect a quick answer. And, in turn, I would refer my patients. I completely disagree with the notion that if I have to call a specialist to ask how to treat a patient, you shouldn't be treating that patient. I certainly can't agree with that. If I have a 16 year old with heavy bleeding, I can't do the workup but ask what dose of estrogen would be good to use? I don't think I need to refer that patient, but they usually let me know it is OK. If specialists could see patients in a week, great, but this patient may be waiting a month.
I do believe I spend a fair amount of time on the Internet. Many times using it 15 minutes or more in the room. So, from what I am hearing, it depends on the type of questions (good or bad) as to how long it takes to get answered.
It isn't about how quickly they are returned. Most specialists here have MAs that say, "I will give her the message, and she should call you when she gets back," That's great that you will see the patient right away. Not all consultants do that.
I guess what I would have an objection to is why is it up to the specialist to decide when he/she calls back. That goes back to the specialist sort of coming across like they are more important.
I think most of my calls are legit, and I do try to work with specialists to help my patients. I am usually calling about mitochondrial disorders and Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, and AML, Dermatomyositis, Hyperaldosteronism, etc. Of course, there are lots more mundane questions.
