December, 2006, will be forty years since I had my spinal instrumentation and fusion surgery. To mark the anniversary of my surgery, I decided to make an appointment with a doctor experienced in treating adults with scoliosis. Since I live in the Philadelphia, PA area, I figured that I would see one of the spine doctors at the Rothman Institute at Jefferson Hospital. When I called for an appointment, the scheduling person told me that I must first submit an x-ray for evaluation, and then the doctors will decide whether they wish to see me. I thought this was rather unusual, but I haven't seen a scoliosis doctor in at least 25 years, so I went ahead and scheduled the x-ray. After geting the x-ray, I called the Rothman Institute to obtain mailing instructions and find out if there was any other information they needed. After many phone calls, it was impossible to get the scheduling person on the phone. I left messages on her voicemail, but there were no return phone calls.
In frustration, I called Dr. Casden's office at the Spine Institute of New York, which has been highly recommeded by several people on this site. Within ten minutes, I gave the very nice scheduling person my basic medical information, and she gave me an appointment for September 5. I am now happily filling out the required forms which I downloaded from the Spine Institute's website and preparing my list of questions for the doctor.
What experiences have people had in getting consultations with new doctors where their original surgeon and accompanying records are no longer available? Dawney, if you are reading this, I would love to know how you managed to get through the red tape and get an appointment with one of the Rothman Institute doctors. Also, best of luck on your upcoming surgery!
Shelley
In frustration, I called Dr. Casden's office at the Spine Institute of New York, which has been highly recommeded by several people on this site. Within ten minutes, I gave the very nice scheduling person my basic medical information, and she gave me an appointment for September 5. I am now happily filling out the required forms which I downloaded from the Spine Institute's website and preparing my list of questions for the doctor.
What experiences have people had in getting consultations with new doctors where their original surgeon and accompanying records are no longer available? Dawney, if you are reading this, I would love to know how you managed to get through the red tape and get an appointment with one of the Rothman Institute doctors. Also, best of luck on your upcoming surgery!
Shelley
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