What to ask....interviewing neurologists

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Autumn Breeze

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So, it's been a year (and a week) since my first seizures....and I still don't have health insurance. SO...I'm considering bitting the bullet and paying out of pocket.

I'm trying to decide between two offices, based on location and pay scale. One is 34 miles, one is 31 miles. And then reversed when we go from the kids school instead of the house.

I would like to call back tomorrow and do some kind of 'pre interview' questions. But, I don't know what to ask. My husband was wondering if they had onsite EEG. Or, how quickly they could get me into an EEG so that maybe the next time I'm clustering he can pack me in the van and we can see if we can get something.

But, I'm a doula, I know how to interview OB's and midwives...not neurologists. Help!! What should I ask, what is something you wish you had asked? What made the difference for you between liking someone, and not liking them?

Obviously, only time and some face to face time will tell, but I like to think I can get a good feel based off some standardish questions.
 
How long the first intake meeting will be (if it's more than half an hour, that's a good thing).
How easy it is to get in touch if you have any questions. Are they available by email -- if so, bonus!
Are they neurologists, or are they epileptologists -- in other words, how much specialized experience do they have.
 
How feasible would it be for an office to have EEG capabilities IN OFFICE?

My husband is wondering if maybe the next time I cluster, if he (the doctor) can call and get me into an EEG that day, maybe we'll catch something. But, I worry we're just going to have the same "normal" EEG even then.

And I agree, being able to converse via email would be quite ideal. So, I'll be asking what the turn around is on email if they are available that way.
 
Your experience in dealing with the medical profession in general will help you quite a bit. Even if you are not sure of the exact questions to ask, you will be able to get the "vibe" of the doc and you will not be intimidated by being in the sanctum sanctorum , so to speak, of the medical profession. That is worth a lot all by itself!
Best of luck to you!
 
Thanks :) That's actually a really helpful observation. I tend to discount my experience, because there is a fine line I have to walk when I'm in the presence of client's providers. I have to be careful how I word things, and who I say them to.

But I do realize that with certain professionals (my kids' doctor), I don't have that nervous energy.
 
Remember, the doctor is supposed to work in partnership with you to make you feel better. They aren't managing you, they are working for you. They don't need to be your friend, but they should respect you and listen.
 
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