Frustrated with the system at KP

RetiredTeacher

DH was diagnosed with MCI 3 years ago after an MRI showed evidence of an old parietal stroke. He has 2 more strokes in the last 2 years and he was finally seen at the memory clinic in May. Cognitive impairment, possible early VD was the outcome. Reassess him in 6 mo. Called to get Nov appt and was told 2 staff quit and he wouldn't be seen until at least January to reasses. Very frustrating. We've gone through 3 GPs in the last 3 years, they keep leaving. Should I ask fir a referral to a neurologist so we can get an actual diagnosis?? Could be VD, ALZ, possibly parkinsonism. His physical health is declining and he wants nothing to do with more doctors but it would be good to get an actual diagnosis. I'd appreciate your thoughts. Running out of patients with the system. Seems like we're falling through the cracks.

ImMaggieMae

I think a whole lot of people in this country are falling through the cracks when it comes to medical care, especially dementia of any kind. But it’s not just that, my sister had an echocardiogram that was cancelled today and rescheduled for February! It took my husband over 8 months to find and get into a neurologist who was accepting new patients. We pay way more for medical care than any other developed country, yet our outcomes and life expectancy aren’t as good as many. Something needs to change. I understand your frustration. Get a diagnosis from any doctor you can get in to see. You can work at fine tuning it later.

White Crane

Being referred to a neurologist might be a good idea but be prepared for a long wait time for an appointment. Maybe do like Im Maggie Mae suggests and get a diagnosis from any doctor you can get in to see. Very frustrating! I'm sorry you're having to go through this.

RetiredTeacher

Ty for your suggestions. I will contact our GP to see if he is willing to diagnose based on the previous MRIs. Cognitive testing, etc or will refer to a neurogist.

Marla13

In our case, my DH was having some confusion (2021) and some vision problems. He went to his eye doctor who sent him for an MRI. The results were sent to his primary care doctor who determined that he had been having silent strokes. His primary sent him to a neurologist who ran several tests and determined he has MCI. My DH has had peripheral artery disease for at least 16 years (his left leg was amputated in 2013) so he referred him to a vascular surgeon. Vascular surgeon determined his left carotid artery was over 85% blocked. They did a procedure to clear the artery. About a year and a half later I noticed that his confusion started to lessen. There was definitely an improvement but it took awhile. I know that this could change in the future but I am grateful that the doctors persisted. Don’t give up. Be the squeaky wheel.

sandwichone123

As MaggieMae points out, our costs are high and outcomes limited. Part of the problem is that general and preventive services are reimbursed at such low rates that they do not cover the costs of running an office, paying off student loans, and also the costs of daily living. So docs have to go to higher paying specialties, and then they migrate to cities, leaving very little available care in much of the country.

housefinch

I think it depends on the wait time to see Neurology. I would schedule an appointment with his PCP to repeat the cognitive screening test. At least you could then compare the original score when he was diagnosed with MCI and the current score. It would be useful for them to repeat the same screening test done initially—-MMSE vs MOCA vs SLUMS.

jfkoc

It can be a nightmare. I suggest doing a google on the diagnosis and making appointments to start the process….PCP and Neuro both.