I've been seeing my internist for many years, but I think I need to start looking for a new one. Although he's provided me good medical care, I've noticed that, the few times I've had to page him this year, he mostly hasn't returned the pages (even though his answering service noted them as urgent) and dealing with the receptionist has become a total nightmare. My last encounter with his reception staff resulted in my being out of town for a week while ill without enough medication, and needing to seek out-of-state care.
A few "musts" are:
1) I am prone to sinus infections that result in severe cough or bronchitis, which causes asthma (I don't have it normally, but get it as a result of illness). The more I cough, the more raw and irritated my airways become, the worse the asthma becomes. Basically, if I can't get sufficient narcotic cough syrup, I will likely land in the ER with respiratory difficulties and recurrent infections that result in my missing a lot of work. I know some doctors look at you like you're just drug-seeking if you ask for hydrocone syrup, or will only dispense a very small amount. I need an MD who will take me at my word on this and prescribe enough cough syrup (6-8oz, or 4oz. with refill) to carry me for up to two weeks, until the cough subsides.
2) Not stingy about prescribing a course of steroids for the above, if needed.
3) Returns calls and pages. I don't page unless it truly can't wait, but sometimes, I can get extremely ill extremely quickly and waiting even one day to start medication is a bad idea.
Preferences:
1) Some evening hours
2) Someone who does not harp on weight. At my healthiest, I am always overweight to some degree (I have more than one endocrine condition known to cause weight gain), so this is just really not helpful.
Wish (not necessary, but ideal):
Nearby parking!
OK, any recommendations for me?
TIA...
