Tips for Drs. Appt. Sought

[janeysmom]

Hi All,

I've been on the CPAP machine for about month and a half. So far so good. On Thursday I am going to see my Dr. for the first time since starting therapy. I plan to bring him a copy of my data - both the one from the DME and my own from Encore Pro 2.2. I plan to go over the reports with him and make sure all is good or what I may need to tweak. Any thoughts on other questions or topics to talk with him? I want to ensure I have a thorough and productive visit.

Thanks!
Katie

[Slinky]

It all totally depends on whether he will sit w/you, look over your data and discuss it w/you - or - whether he flips his cork over you having the software and ability to download your own data and pitches a hissy fit about how the xPAP data is not accurate like a PSG - most likely to cover up his total ignorance and disinterest in the data.

[torontoCPAPguy]

Personally, if my MD's (any of them) were to poo-poo my data and not be willing to discuss same and my situation I would drop them like a hot potato after having been referred to a second specialist. AFTER.

It is turning into a numbers game with the almight dollar being king and I, for one, am getting sick of it.

Suggestion: Vote with your feet but be careful not to burn your bridges.

And, for what it is worth. ALL of my MD's are happy to see my data and discuss my situation at length. I am very very lucky.

[rested gal]

It all totally depends on whether he will sit w/you, look over your data and discuss it w/you - or - whether he flips his cork over you having the software and ability to download your own data and pitches a hissy fit about how the xPAP data is not accurate like a PSG - most likely to cover up his total ignorance and disinterest in the data.

You nailed it, Slinkifer!!!!

[Slinky]

Yeah, but I didn't mean to be quite so negative. The thing is .... YOU are interested in YOUR data, in YOUR therapy and YOUR health. I would NOT hide that fact nor that I had the software and was monitoring my own therapy. It becomes a matter of how you present this to your sleep doctor. You can "feed" or "challenge" his ego. Its best to "feed" his ego by sharing your data and letting him know you want and need (choke) his input and advice. You'll provide the data, hopefully he will provide the ... expertise.

I'm sorry. There ARE good sleep doctors out there. I've just become very cynical about how many good sleep doctors actually are out there. HOPEFULLY, you have a good one.

[dtsm]

Besides the reports, I'd also have a written list of questions or concerns that you might have?

I have a similar follow-up tomorrow at 4 pm - in preparation, I have the last 2+ summary graph plus last 7 nights detail graphs already printed out. Plus a 'short' list of questions - it's short only because I had a longer list but all the great folks here have already answered many of them!

Good luck

[montana]

My Dr has me bring my machine in each time I have an appointment. She looks it over and takes card out and looks at info and then talks it all over with me each time. She knows I look at data and I have never had any problem with her at all. She even recommends buying machines online if you want to. She even gave me internet addresses to buy a machine first time I went in.