General Specialists Question

LPetronas on 04/11/2018 - 17:18
Last edited 04/11/2018 - 22:36

I wasn't sure where to get the answers to these questions.

I've been seeing a specialist for two periods in my life, this second being a couple of years now and I trust and value his opinion however after allot of success with him back 10 years ago this second round with him as been so so. I'm seeing him every 6 months has a follow up to see if we can troubleshoot the issue. I value his opinion and hope we can find a solution as he really helped me back 10 years ago.

  • My question is if I choose to see another specialist within the 6 months intervals will my current specialist find out? I feel I need a second opinion.

  • I need to get a renewed referral for my current specialist, is it possible to get a second referral possibly from another GP? Will this affect my rebate?

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • VegemiteKid on 04/11/2018 - 17:30
    +1

    1. The only was I could see them finding out is via the new My Health Record. Opt out and o don’t see a drama- but also don’t let this stress you.

    2. Your GP will, or should refer you to whoever you wish. If they query it, just state it’s for a second opinion. You are perfectly entitled to it. It won’t affect your rebate

  • TheBilly on 04/11/2018 - 17:50
    +2

    Your specialist is your specialist. Not your BFF or blood brother or something like that. It's purely a professional - patient doctor relationship.

  • AusGP on 04/11/2018 - 18:39
    +1

    I often refer patients for second opinions. Most specialists won't get offended and they definitely won't find out. Even if you had a My Health Record if you didn't nominate them as your practice they shouldn't have access. I believe the emergency break glass access feature is only available for Hospitals.

    Perhaps it's a problem you should see your GP (provided they're good) to see if they can figure it out? (Or maybe you need to see a completely different type of specialist - the GP can help you determine which sort).

  • gimli on 04/11/2018 - 20:38
    +1

    It is possible that they may find out but I wouldn't worry too much about it.

    For example if your new specialist orders blood tests/x-rays etc then anyone else who looks at those results later can see who the ordering physician is.

    I would chat with your GP if it is something worth getting a second opinion about. I think most GP's and doctors encourage second opinions but they would also tell you if you are clearly wasting your time.

  • iforgotmysocks on 04/11/2018 - 21:53
    +1

    All the specialists will talk about you behind your back

  • Petronas on 04/11/2018 - 22:31

    Thanks for all the info.

    Will definately approach my GP to get two referrals at the same time. My next appointment is due in Feb and I'll try to sneak in a second opinion before then.

    Another query I've been made aware of is getting data from my original specialiat.

    Any tips on what would I say to specialist one to get the data all the way back from 2009?

    • AusGP on 05/11/2018 - 07:09
      +1

      Best way is for your GP to print off all the letters/blood tests/imaging (Or request them from the specialist).

      • Petronas on 05/11/2018 - 13:21

        I believe the last referral was from some random doctor in the city.

        To get the old data and the latest data would I have to approach both my regular GP and the random one used for the last referral?

        • AusGP on 05/11/2018 - 18:49
          +1

          Approach your regular GP. If they don't already have it then they can request it from the specialist.

          • Petronas on 10/12/2018 - 17:44

            @AusGP: Do you guys think it is advisable to black out my existing specialist's name on the the medical records?

            I have about 12 pages all with my current specialists name at the bottom with really no other identifiers like phone numbers or addresses.

            • AusGP on 10/12/2018 - 18:58
              +1

              @Petronas: I don't think it's necessary to hide anything

  • Petronas on 05/11/2018 - 20:38

    Thanks for all the information to everyone who posted.

    I feel relieved with the knowledge I can approach my GP to ask for the data stored with my specialist.

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