Selecting a Physician

I had my first visit with my MD today since starting CPAP. I went in prepared with a list of things I wanted to discuss, most directly CPAP-related, and some not.

My overall impression was he came in ready to rush out, and while he was attentive once I forced his attention to my own list, once my fifteen minutes were done, he nearly tripped over himself leaving.

Is this normal? My instinct is to begin searching for another doctor; on the other hand, the next doctor most likely will be working under the same pressure to get patients in-n-out, four per hour or better....

Thanks...

PDA, you bring up a very good point. That is, how to choose a primary care doctor that is best for the patient.
Choosing a sleep doc is one thing, but in my case, of utmost importance is the understanding and knowledge of my PCP.
To be honest, I've delved into getting another one. The one I have now, its been ME teaching him about OSA.

There are web site now available to check the credentials and ratings (by patients) of physicians.
One such site is: rateMDs. com (this is the one I've been using lately)
another is doctorscorecard.com and another is healthgrades.com

Yesterday, I began a search for a new PCP. After research, I called the first choice, and the receptionist who answered was very nice and supportive. She even has OSA herself, and we talked a good while about masks and machines. (as if I can't find someone to talk to about this)
Well, anyway, she was drinking coffee and eating doughnuts. I asked her if she had some extra. She said to "come on by"
That cinched it for me. I think I have a new doctor.
Jay

Well, I've spent a day thinking it over, and reviewed the list I took in; I didn't even manage to get my AmbienCR prescription refilled, let alone have a conversation about switching from CPAP to APAP.

Today a friend recommended using a naturopathic physician, and I'm curious whether anyone here has any experience with that sort of treatment when OSA is involved.

Also began rooting about in my insurer's website for other local physicians, and found one under family / internal medicine that also listed sleep medicine as a specialty.

As things roll along -

had a positive conversation with a sleep doctor yesterday, and think we'll have a decent working relationship. He recommended I see an ENT, so will have to figure out how to get that done - I can never tell who I need my PCP's referral to get into, and haven't got a new PCP yet.

Am finding sorting out the insurance requirements is mildly daunting.....

The sleep doctor I saw also is a DME, so I also need to find out how to transfer my business there; I'm "renting to own" my Resmed, and would just as soon not continuing dealing with that particular company, if I can combine my DME with a decent sleep doctor.

As far as finding a PCP goes, I haven't invested much time in looking for one - am seeing a homeopathic doctor Monday; I'm not sure what I even think about that, but thought I'd try it; she and homeopathy in general both come highly recommended by a friend I trust, so...I'll do that next, then figure out the PCP nonsense later....