I have HBP and I also have a chronic disease. I see a Doctor at Duke and I see my Primary Doctor in Raleigh.
I have a blood pressure monitor at home and take my blood pressure at home and at the Wellness center. My primary doctors practice just started using the Web again. I can email for appointments, medical records, and to ask the doctor a question. It is so much easier than me waiting on hold or having to leave messages.
Duke already has a Web site where I can get my medical records, pay bills, and make appointments. And before the Web site was active, I asked for my records after every office visit, MRI, and x-rays. It is my right to have access to my records. And I urge everyone to get copies of their records. You will be amazed at what you will find in your records (wrong information, lack of information, spelling mistakes (thanks to them being transcribed in India)).
I can no longer afford to see my Duke specialist in the clinic since they added an additional outpatient charge that means in addition to my $40.00 copay, I am being charged an additional $100.00 copay to pay for using the room and to pay for the nurse who I don't usually see. That adds up when you have to see the Dr. every 4 months and now every 6 months. So, for now on I will only have my x-rays done and if there is no change in them, I will not see the doctor.
In order to get refills on my blood pressure medicines, my Primary Doctor requires me to come in for an office visit so she can take my blood pressure (which is always high when I go to the Doctor, not like it is when I take it at home) and write me a new prescription. So, if I have to go into the office for this type of visit, I make the most of it and bring other issues to light and take more of her time.
I am sorry that Doctor Peterson at Duke feels that he will be losing money if his patients are better informed and healthier. I thought that doctors wanted us to be healthy.
