Continuity of Care - How Important?

[Lost Sheep]

Lost Sheep:

Why would it take two trips to Baltimore from AK if you can do it with Dr. Kramer?

Since I would be using the Maryland V.A. Hospital, the VA Urology Department sets the rules.

I am told the Maryland VA Hospital Head of Urology wants me to be seen in their facility before considering scheduling surgery. They will not do this remotely, either. I am also told their Anesthesiology Department is very picky (and I have a history of sleep apnea). There is no guarantee I could combine both pre-surgical appointments into a single trip.

Since I get almost all my health care through the VA (disabled veteran), I think it prudent to have this through them, also.

[ccrider]

Lost Sheep:

Why would it take two trips to Baltimore from AK if you can do it with Dr. Kramer?

Since I would be using the Maryland V.A. Hospital, the VA Urology Department sets the rules.

I am told the Maryland VA Hospital Head of Urology wants me to be seen in their facility before considering scheduling surgery. They will not do this remotely, either. I am also told their Anesthesiology Department is very picky (and I have a history of sleep apnea). There is no guarantee I could combine both pre-surgical appointments into a single trip.

Since I get almost all my health care through the VA (disabled veteran), I think it prudent to have this through them, also.

I have serious sleep apnea as well. The UMMC anesthesiology dept. gave me a triage call about a month ahead of time. Dr. Kramer's anesthesiologist Patrick came in before the procedure & allayed all my fears in that regard...they had it all set up ahead of time...

[alibaba]

I agree with ccrider, it is a non issue with general anesthesia unless the anesthesiologist is an idiot. Likely many many times more people have apnea that are undiagnosed.

[mrp2007]

I was told that after 30 implant procedures, a surgeon is expert so 20 a year given less opportunity is not bad.
For your local uro:
Ask how many he has done in total.
Ask if how many infections he has had in total, and last 2 years and what happened post infection.
Ask how many redos he has done.
Ask for referrals and see if you can talk to a couple, especially the ones that were not so happy if you can.
Ask who he would get his own done if he needed one. I found mine from a uro to uro referral.
They like to get a rating /10 from the patient if they have any pride. Find out what his average/min/max is.

HTH
Mark