Doctor and your chart (rant?)

Shortstack06 · October 2014

First, yes I am upset but my doctor I usually have was out of the office for shingles so I saw another at the practice (that also brought some girl , maybe a med student) and he had the "weight talk" with me today. He told me I had gained 38 lbs since being pregnant and 14 in the last month. I was genuinely confused because when I stepped on the scale at my first appointment at 7 weeks it said 103, 124 at 23 weeks and today the scale said 131 at 27 weeks. Granted it may be a bit much in the last month but I was confused on the math, so I asked about it and he said well I did the math before coming in here, he didn't even have my chart, just a piece of paper to document things on. Then said he wants to see me every week to monitor my weight. This was all before the heartbeat and fundal measurement, I was so frustrated and annoyed I just wanted out of there. So I have no idea what those are and plan to call tomorrow and find out.

So my question is, does your doctor(s) bring in your full chart to appointments? How do you manage the frustration?

abcmom12 · October 2014

my doc always has my full chart at every visit. sounds like this dude can't add and yea, I'd talk with your regular OB first before coming in for weigh ins

CandEChicago · October 2014

I would have asked him to double check my chart. I would also ask to get a copy if your chart (if possible). Not sure how I feel about weekly weight check-ins. Perhaps you put a call to your original doctor and get their thoughts.

nopegoat · October 2014

My Dr has all my info on a laptop that she brings in. We always go over how much I have gained between visits as well as overall.

Seeing you every week for weight gain seems off to me though.

AllTheTeaInChina · October 2014

My office uses electronic records so she looks at the computer when she comes into the exam room. If my math is correct, you've gained 28lbs not 38lbs so far. That is a bit high, you'll prob gain about 1lb/week more bringing your total over 40lb. I don't really know how being seen every week v. every 2 weeks will really make a difference. I'd discuss your concerns with your normal OB, see what she/he thinks.

ScarlettsMommy0515 · October 2014

I go to a mat clinic so see all 5 doctors throughout my pregnancy. They have always had my chart with them .

Manateearmz · October 2014

Who doesn't use Epic (the electronic records) now?

soulcupcake · October 2014

My midwives have my chart/info during appts., and the simply add whatever to it or go over usual stuff. The last time I was officially weighed was at 17ish weeks before switching providers. I haven't been weighed by my current midwives yet. I wouldn't be comfortable with weekly weigh-ins. I've gained around 30 lbs so far, and have maintained my current weight for about a month. I don't usually put on much during late pregnancy. Some women lose, gain very little or maintain weight during the last couple months. And whatever else she puts on for weight may just come from my own fat stores, which is what happened during my other pregnancies.

Annie&Raggy · October 2014

Every week?? Im 56 more lbs than i was before. My ob still only sees me once a month. (Until next week when ill be 32 weeks) she just told me to be careful and when my weight didnt change into the next week she was less worried. But she also said that if youre underweight like i was before that gaining extra is actually good for LO.

brookey79 · October 2014

My doctor always has my full chart available on her laptop. I've actually seen a different doctor for the past 2 appointments, and she always has my chart with her. I don't think gaining 28 lbs so far is alarming. I've gained 22 lbs so far and it hasn't even come up at my appointments.

Drgn30 · October 2014

if you don't want to do weekly weigh-ins with this random doctor - then don't. follow up with your normal OB and/or ask to see a different OB for your next appointment.

[Deleted User] · October 2014

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Eora3 · October 2014

Why didn't you just say "that is not correct"? You need to stand up for yourself and address these things. If the doc is not your usual doc and doesn't have your chart, you should be asking questions like "may I see my chart please?" and "are you sure you have the correct patient?"

Also, why did you not ask who the random woman was?

Use your voice. You have to advocate for yourself.

Pros521 · October 2014

My dr also always has the laptop with them
As far as weight goes, they have never mentioned my gain. I think I'm around 25-28 pounds

gmeyer1019 · October 2014

My drs always have my chart, and they check my weight every time. They haven't said anything to me since my first tri which they were more worried I wasnt gaining. I agree with PP you should definitely call and consult with your main ob.

BdblZ · October 2014

I work for a practice (non-OB) that uses all electronic records, and each room has a computer, so a patients full record is at our fingertips.

My OB on the other hand, does not bring my chart or really any info into the room with them, and it drives me up the wall. They were recently absorbed into one of the larger medical groups in the area, and it looks like they are slowly making the switch to full EMR, but it hasn't happened yet.

Shortstack06 · October 2014

I did say I thought it was wrong and the original weight was 134, they got me on a different scale and it said 131. They put everything in electronically, there were no computers in the room so I am guessing he added his notes after my appointment and the sheet of paper he gave me so I could go check out. I brought up that it's not like I have gained in excessive body fat and honestly I probably need to gain more weight. You can see my ribs down my back. I am calling tomorrow to see if I can schedule an appointment with my OB when he is back to get my questions answered and to get a copy of my chart. I know it is my fault but as he did the heartbeat and fundal he talked more about looking at houses than my results. If I had known in advance my appointment was with him I would have cancelled.

erien · October 2014

My OB does not have my full chart. It annoys me, too. Every time I ask him a question like what my hemoglobin levels were or my GD testing results, he doesn't know! WTF??

I have never heard of extra monitoring for weight. And I know people who have put on 50-80 pounds. My NP last pregnancy said that it is common for women to have a big weight jump between 24 and 28 weeks and then it levels off again after that. And because your OB can't do math, you didn't gain even 14 lbs in the last month or 38 lbs overall! When I got frustrated with my last OB, I vowed I'd find a new one for the next pregnancy, and I did! Other than the chart issue, he's been great!

RayRay007 · October 2014

Drgn30 said:
if you don't want to do weekly weigh-ins with this random doctor - then don't. follow up with your normal OB and/or ask to see a different OB for your next appointment.

This. If you know he was wrong and you don't have any concerns about your weight, they can't make you go weekly.

My doc has an EMR so anyone who sees me has access on the computer to my whole file.

Cheekers2010 · October 2014

I'll add my voice to the chorus and say that that is ridiculous. Not only can he not add, but for someone that was obviously tiny before, you want to be gaining more weight than a woman who was average to overweight. I'd say you were right on (if adding correctly). And, yes, my doctor always has my entire chart. It's electronic on a laptop that she brings in every time. I'd tell the doctor first that your weight in incorrect and that you won't be coming in every week. I feel kind of furious for you.

1BabyFritsch · October 2014

My doctor has computers in each room but only looks at a single piece of paper she carries and enters everything at the end of the of the apt.(sometimes) she really only looks at my chart if she has to. But I refuse to see another Dr in the practice because I know I am having a RCS and I know my doctor knows me well enough to not need to see my chart every time.

amedbery · October 2014

Eora3 said:
Why didn't you just say "that is not correct"? You need to stand up for yourself and address these things. If the doc is not your usual doc and doesn't have your chart, you should be asking questions like "may I see my chart please?" and "are you sure you have the correct patient?"

Also, why did you not ask who the random woman was?

Use your voice. You have to advocate for yourself.

This, 100%. Don't be intimidated by the stethoscope and white coat. You shouldn't be afraid to question your doctor and a good one shouldn't have an issue with it. Call and discuss with your regular OB before getting dragged in for weekly weigh-ins.

Mousy345 · October 2014

I had a stand-in for my OB too when she was away. The triage nurse printed off all relevant papers for him as he did not have access to the computer system since he was a locum, not a regular Dr. at the clinic. So maybe something similar happened here - maybe this doctor you saw had only limited access to your file.

weezy29 · October 2014

I would have corrected him on the spot but that's just how I am! I wouldn't worry about it, honestly. He isn't your regular Dr and since you started out small a gain of 40 pounds(in the end) does not seem excessive.

xc1148 · October 2014

1) I can understand how you didn't argue about the weight when he talked to you, it can be upsetting and intimidating
2) you should have asked who the stranger was, at a minimum just so they know it's not cool to just bring in random people to your personal appointments. They always ask me in advance if it's okay
3) you don't have to go in for weekly monitoring if you don't want to. I assume you're in the bi-weekly phase, just stick with that. *assuming you feel fine, your blood pressure is fine, you're eating well etc etc

I am sorry though, annoying doctors are the worst. I rotate at my practice (they don't want us to deliver with a "stranger") and luckily only one out of the 9 was mean but I'm just praying he's not on call when I go in.

hollieandaaron2012 · October 2014

There is no reason for you to be on weekly appointments at 27 weeks just for your weight! I gained 7 lbs this past month and the nurse told me to eat less salt and the DR. said my weight was fine. At 31 weeks I have gained 30 lbs which is more than I wanted too but I am really not concentrating on my weight and if I am hungry I eat.

ebilbao · October 2014

I would just say no. I'd tell them you've only gained 27lbs, they did the math wrong and you're not coming in. End of story.

talianza · October 2014

my doctor has portable computers in every room, so he walks in, says hello then pulls up my chart on the computer as he chit chats with me.

My last pregnancy, I went to L&D one time and my Dr wasn't available so I had to see an on call dr. I just left because he didn't know what the heck he was talking about and I wasn't about to let him treat me!

nolanova85 · October 2014

Our practice uses laptops. That's frustrating that he got the numbers wrong and that you got a lecture because of it. I was at my 30 week appt this morning. I've gained exactly 30 lbs, which I am a bit disappointed in myself about. Gained 3 lbs in the last 2 weeks. They asked me to try to keep it to 1lb per week, but regardless - I'm looking at somewhere between 40 & 50. Still, I didn't get some big lecture. Just a quick "try to keep it to a lb a week." Weight is such an emotional issue for me I would not have handled your doc very well.

Cryssteen · October 2014

As a nurse in an office, I'll tell you that most physicians aren't flipping through a chart (digital or otherwise) prior to seeing you. Mostly, the nurses do chart prep - printing previous note, indicating important info, etc. The doc goes off of that. If something is wrong, tell him. You have to be your own advocate. I know this is something silly like weight, but what if it had to do w/ something more pressing? You can't just take what they say at face value! I had a doc read back my allergies, which included "insects." I am not allergic to bugs.... what was missing? NSAIDs. HUGE issue. Someone who took my info heard "insects" instead of "NSAIDs" and that was what was documented. So I could have been in the hospital and been given ibuprofen, even though I am severely allergic.

Heidig14 · October 2014

My doc has a computer in every room and everything is electronic. They bring up and go over everything ready appointment. I also have gained slightly more weight then you and my doctor is not concerned at all. I am exercising and eating right so she says it is what it is. I would be asking for a second opinion from your regular doctor.

sysakbaby · October 2014

Cryssteen said:

As a nurse in an office, I'll tell you that most physicians aren't flipping through a chart (digital or otherwise) prior to seeing you. Mostly, the nurses do chart prep - printing previous note, indicating important info, etc. The doc goes off of that. If something is wrong, tell him. You have to be your own advocate. I know this is something silly like weight, but what if it had to do w/ something more pressing? You can't just take what they say at face value! I had a doc read back my allergies, which included "insects." I am not allergic to bugs.... what was missing? NSAIDs. HUGE issue. Someone who took my info heard "insects" instead of "NSAIDs" and that was what was documented. So I could have been in the hospital and been given ibuprofen, even though I am severely allergic.

Omg @ insects/ NSAIDs ... that is SCARY. My Midwife practice always reviews my allergies in my chart at appointments and asks if anything has changed or needs to be added.

OP - I second what others have said. Say no to the weekly appointments until you talk with your regular doctor.

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