GI Doctors?

i moved north for a bit and had no problem being seen and treated locally...

This doesn't sound quite right; it's very easy for a scheduling clerk to misunderstand what's going on. You can't just schedule a procedure that has to be ordered by a doctor. In any case, you might get a better result making an appointment for an initial visit with a Hopkins gastroenterologist you want to get care from. You can probably get a recommendation from your Hopkins oncologist. I'd expect them to be happy to provide GI care (including any necessary scopes), but they may believe it's their job (hopefully in collaboration with you) to decide when pouchoscopy should be performed. I'm not surprised they won't do it on command for someone they've never met, but they'll sure do appropriate surveillance one you're their patient. You probably don't need a Hopkins surgeon - at least I hope not.

Yes. I always have to be seen on a consult basis for a first visit with a GI. THEN, he orders whatever tests are necessary. You may even need a referral from your primary doctor or your prior GI, since self referral is often not an option. In that case, all you need to do is call or email your primary or prior GI to send the referral. Should not be a problem.

Jan

I actually had the referral submitted as well as orders from another Hopkins doctor- they still told me no luck! I was well aware I would need to go for a consult first before getting scopes done, but apparently that was not an option even. Luckily, my surgeon from Pittsburgh is awesome and his office is *hopefully* getting me on the right track to someone here locally who will provide the care for me. Thanks for your input!

I'm pretty sure this is a miscommunication. One possibility that comes to mind is that you may be getting connected with the surgeons instead of the gastroenterologists. Good luck.