Dr. Appointment Frequency (How Often Should We See a Doctor)

[SeaQuest]

How often should we see a doctor in regards to our ostomies? Other than the obvious, I have no health issues so I don't see a doctor on any regular basis. This hasn't posed an issue till I attempted to switch providers for my ostomy supplies. They contacted the hospital/doctor who I last saw (in 2017), but the doctor refused to confirm that I still have my ostomy. No ostomy = no supplies. The supplies provider let me know they wouldn't ship till I see a doctor to make certain I've not seen some shade-tree doctor and fixed myself . When I called to get an appointment with the doctor, they stated that I must first see a primary care provider. I don't mind seeing a doctor, but it would be nice to know how often this is required to satisfy the needs to have my needed supplies shipped to me. How often are we supposed to see a doctor?

Thank you!

SeaQuest

[Mara]

I don't see a GI doctor or surgeon about my ostomy - I have had it for decades. My primary care doctor signs the fax or whatever the supply company sends for my supplies - I believe, at least with Medicare, it's good for a year.

[steiconi]

Like Mara, my supplier just checks with my pcp.

Most pcps seem out of their league with ostomies and are more than happy to approve whatever I request, so long as I don't expect them to figure out how to fix any ostomy problems.

[ot dave]

I see my surgeon once a year for check ups, but my PCP is the one who signs my scripts for all ostomy supplies.

[SeaQuest]

Thank you all. I guess I just need to schedule an appointment with a new primary care physician. The supplies provider had gone 5 years without an updated letter so I guess I got lazy. I appreciate the responses!