Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey

I am writing a series called “Changing from Provider to Patient- one NP’s journey” At one time or another, we have all been a patient within the medical system. This is the second installment of my patient journey- follow with me as I balance being a patient and leave my ‘provider hat’ at home.

Day 2:

We’re back home in Orlando from our visit in NC. The initial plan was to return to Florida the day prior to my work day to rest and recuperate from our travel day. But you may have heard the saying, ‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans’. In healthcare, you learn to be flexible or you can become frustrated and burn-out.

Today, Brett and I went to the new Orthopedic Urgent Care to begin my care in Orlando. I knew I would need surgery based on what Dr. S (the ED doctor in NC) said and I wanted to get on top of the process. Having been on the provider side of the referral process, I knew it could be time-consuming with insurance approval and scheduling; both the medical office and our own schedules.

The urgent care staff were very friendly right from the start. I was envious of the ‘new’ urgent care and the enthusiastic attitudes of the staff working there. It’s refreshing to see this in the current healthcare climate. The gentleman at the front desk was helpful with registration, but unfortunately, we were not updated on the delay in our appointment time, this had caused some irritation with Brett. There had been a patient in the treatment area that needed some extended time with the provider, so this threw off all other appointments. This is something as a provider I often have to balance; giving the patient in front of me the time they need all while taking into consideration the number of patients that are waiting for me in the waiting room. I am now navigating the waiting room side of healthcare with a spouse that is very time conscious. This will require some gentle guidance from me to help him understand the balance of time that is taking place.

Once we were called into the treatment area, the clinical staff were efficient, but I did miss some of the ‘southern hospitality’ of the staff in NC. There are those patients that want to know ‘just the facts’, those that want to have their hands held and those, like me, that are a combination of both. As providers, we have just minutes to assess what type of reassurance and comfort the patient in front of us requires to feel safe and cared for.

After a new set of x-rays (post splint application) for the provider, we waited in the exam room to be evaluated. Ms. T, the smart and caring PA, came in and began to review both the original and current x-rays as well as the treatment that would be needed. We discussed the referral needed and we were discharged home. At this appointment there was not a lot of discussion of the actual surgery needed, but it was confirmed that surgery would be required to make sure this healed quickly and efficiently.

After a few hours, Ms. T called and let me know that she placed an order for a CT of the ankle/leg that should be completed before I see the Orthopedic doctor. This would allow the doctor to assess the injury more completely and determine the appropriate surgery to schedule. Later in the afternoon, we had appointments made for both the CT and the Ortho doctor, set for the very next day! Now we wait……