How often do you see your Doctor?

[ErnieH]

Every time I see my Doctor, he tells me everything looks good, and then walks me over to the lady that makes appointments. I have seen him every six months over the past two years. I don't feel like the appointments are necessary anymore, unless I have a problem. I don't mind seeing him, but I don't want to go there just to put more money in his pocket.

Thanks,
Ernie

[Jaylee]

My insurance required a 6 month check. I also see him for something else, so I will be going next week as well.

[brazospearl]

Ernie,
I went to my doctor once for a different concern 3 months into my therapy. I mentioned that it was going well, he didn't bring it up but I wanted him to know. Don't have any plans to see him about this unless it appears there's a problem. I know more about what's going on with my therapy than he does. I don't see the need to pay the man to tell him I'm doing fine. I paid for my equipment out-of-pocket, so there aren't any insurance hoops to jump through. Could insurance be the reason you need to keep going to your doctor? MIght be worth it if that keeps the insurance company paying for your stuff.

[rubymom]

I am 14 months in and my understanding is that in about 4 more months, the rental will end on my machine and it will become mine. Until then, my insurance company relies on my doctor's letting them know that I still require the machine and am compliant. So I've seen him 3 times total so far and will probably go back one more time. After that, I'll only go again if I have a problem I can't resolve.

[Patrick A]

I started seeing my new Sleep Doctor in December of last year. After the sleep study he wanted to see me in 2 weeks. Then after that appointment it was 4 weeks. Then 6 weeks. Next appointment was to be in 3 months. So I see him again at the end of August. I see my GP every three months. She sends me to Count Dracula every other month. I feel like a pin cushion.

[kteague]

I've had periods of not seeing a doc for a very long time, and since my doctor at that was was doing NOTHING for me and any successes I had were due to the help I received here, I was more than fine with that. But with this doctor, it's supposed to be every 6 months, partly because she has me on Provigil, partly because we're always going thru some kind of adjustment with my treatment for my limb movements.

[Kevin G.]

I have seen my sleep specialist maybe 5 times in the last 18 years. On one occasion I have gone maybe 9 years between visits.

When I need a prescription for supplies my general physician has written the prescriptions.

I have a similar relationship with the DME's and see them only when I need a new machine or supplies. If I just need supplies I will deal with an internet supplier.

[Guest]

After my sleep study in 2003, I saw my Pulmonolgist every six months for two years then yearly for three more.

In 2008, I changed to a different Pulmonologist as the first one decided to become a Hospitalist, and give up his practice.

After I obtained my prescription for a "lifetime" APAP, I saw him twice more over a period of 18 months.

I haven't been back since, and don't intend to unless his office calls me.

[Amigo]

^^ Ooops, sorry...I really did think I had logged in.

[Mac33]

I canceled my 6 month appointment last week and instead went to see a pillar procedure specialist and will have 6 pillars put in Tuesday. I just didn't like his attitude of use the machine or suffer the consequences without at the very least suggesting to go see a good ENT and see exactly where your collapse may be.

[GTOJim]

My sleep doc wants to see me once a year.

My wife recently joined me as a hose head. At her first visit with my sleep doc, he said he wants her back in 6 months, then yearly.

[Wulfman]

Every time I see my Doctor, he tells me everything looks good, and then walks me over to the lady that makes appointments. I have seen him every six months over the past two years. I don't feel like the appointments are necessary anymore, unless I have a problem. I don't mind seeing him, but I don't want to go there just to put more money in his pocket.

Thanks,
Ernie

My thoughts exactly.
I began my therapy with a fully data-capable CPAP and have relied on my software reports to monitor my therapy.
I had a total of three meetings with my sleep doctor......one before my sleep study and two within the couple of months following my sleep study. I haven't seen him in over five years as my therapy has been successful.
On the other hand, my OSA is pretty much the "garden variety"......no Centrals, RLS or other complications. If I had some of those other circumstances or required a special Bi-Level machine, my answers might be different.


Den

[elena88]

Doc said I was going to be on cpap the rest of my life.
I have seen her for:
one: initial consult
two : sleep study results
three: at home one week titration results
four: first month treatment results, and switched machines
five: now Im going in four months later


When I get all this figured out, I dont plant but going once a year, as she is my pulmanary doc too.
None of the dme charges, machine, masks, or visits are covered by our (high deductable) ppo insurance, so this has been an expensive "ordeal"
I want to keep the doctor visits down to a minumum.

I know another guy who picked up his machine, paid for it, and hasnt contacted the doctor since, and that was five years ago.
He also doesnt know what his pressure is, or what machine he is using, or anything about his treatment, save that he puts it on when his wife
complains about his snoring.

[thewetlizard]

I've seen the sleep doctor twice once for the study and once to pick up the equipment. But they have ask for the smart card (by mail) three times.

[ErnieH]

Thanks everyone!! I really appreciate the info.

Ernie