Interstitial Cystitis - Finding the Right Physician for You

Patient Goals

    Patient goals include finding a physician 1) who is knowledgeable of and interested in treating IC, 2) who will provide an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatments and ongoing care, and 3) who will educate you about treatment options, take time to listen, work collaboratively with you and respect the knowledge you have to share about your IC experience.


Why is this important?

    This is important because successfully managing a chronic illness like IC depends, in part, on your choice of physician and the attributes that physician brings to the process. Effective treatments are enhanced by a knowledgeable, compassionate physician. A urologist is a physician who specializes in treating urinary conditions.


How to go about finding the right physician

    Gather names of physicians from IC patients, Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) volunteers and the Physician Registry, a national list, available from the ICA, of physicians who have indicated an interest in treating IC. Check board certification through the American Board of Medical Specialties at 800-776-CERT ( http://www.certifieddoctor.org ) or consult your local library. Be aware that some highly recommended physicians may not have an expertise in treating IC. Make an appointment to meet the doctor. Ask some of the general questions listed below. You don't have to agree to an exam or medical tests during the first visit. Ask yourself how you feel about this initial meeting and trust your feelings.

 

Suggested questions to ask your doctor

    General questions to ask at an initial appointment:

•     Would you tell me what Interstitial Cystitis is and what symptoms patients experience?
•     What medical tests are used to diagnose IC? What findings support the diagnosis?
•     What are the treatment options for IC? What determines which ones you recommend?
•     Are there lifestyle changes that might be important in managing the symptoms of IC?

    Specific questions to ask regarding diagnostic testing, treatment and management of IC:

•     Why are these tests necessary? What are the risks, discomforts and costs of these tests? When will the results be available? May I have a written copy of the test results?
•     What are my test results? What do they indicate? What is my exact diagnosis? What is that based on?
•     What are the benefits, possible side effects and risks of the treatment you are recommending?
•     How long do I need to follow this/these treatment(s) before I might expect to see some improvement?
•     If this treatment plan is not helpful, or only partially helpful, what other treatments would you consider? Ask your physician if it would be possible for him or her to provide you with a list of possible treatment options so that if one treatment does not work, you will be reassured that there are other options available to you.

    Also, remember to ask about possible side effects and instructions for taking prescribed medications.


You have the right as a patient to...

•     Change physicians, consult other physicians, and get other medical opinions.
•     Obtain your medical records.
•     Be given adequate information to make informed decisions and give informed consent.
•     Decline or refuse suggested diagnostic procedures and/or treatment options.
•     Seek information about your medical condition from other sources.
•     Seek other kinds of care and/or support, which may include nutritional advice, group support, participation in the ICA, psychological support, pain management, stress management, or more.
•     Receive supporting documentation required by agencies with which you may file disability claims.
•     Receive supporting documentation required by your insurance provider when care is denied.
•     Receive a timely response to telephone contacts.

    Exercising these rights should not subject you to disrespectful treatment, threats or denial of care.