Comments | omcintyre: Dude, he's older than DIRT!!! (and my first poll)

omcintyre

Dude, he's older than DIRT!!! (and my first poll)

Mar 14, 2008 19:06

Okay, so my IPA/Medical Group is demanding that I have a second opinion regarding my need for a VA/VP shunt. They have authorized me to see a Dr Rajendra K. Tiwari in Glendale, CA. I looked him up on the California Medical site and the dude started practicing medicine BEFORE I WAS BORN ( Read more... )

neuro, gpa, ptc, medical, ipa, polls, ih, health, life

Comments 5

the_new_perfect March 15 2008, 02:24:49 UTC

I was excited to see that so many people agreed with me until I realized that I was 100% of that 100%. :)

jj_maccrimmon March 15 2008, 03:03:00 UTC

Until a doctor is incapable of performing (according to their peers) their age should actually be a benefit to you. Think of two hugely important things: experience and lack of liability issues. At his age, he's probably seen more neuroligical conditions then most younger doctors have ever hoped to hear about. Liability wise, he couldn't be practicing if he was getting sued constantly by this age.

Is he recommended by his peers? If so, get the surgery done.

omcintyre March 15 2008, 05:06:09 UTC

He's recommended as "decent" for spinal surgery, but he's not certified to do stereotactic procedures or CT guided procedures. He's not recommended for brain procedures. In fact, I've heard a few horror stories :( My PCP said he never sends his patients to him unless it's for a neurology opinion.. not a neuroSURGERY opinion unless it's spinal fusion or laminectomy.

I respect his knowledge.. heck my Dad didn't retire until he was in his late 60's and I understand how experience can be critical and very important. It's his ability (or in-ability) to do a shunt on someone like me with very narrow ventricles without any imaging equipment that makes me nervous.

I'm going to meet him and hopefully talk to him about my concerns and see what happens. No matter what, I'm not comfortable having him perform the shunt surgery because he doesn't use CT.. to me that's VERY important.

But, I totally understand about getting his experienced opinion. Thanks for the input!

jj_maccrimmon March 15 2008, 05:25:08 UTC

I understand those reasons and the background. Those are all very valid reasons then to be concerned. Talk with him and see who's going to assist. They are as important as he is in this case.

shaunanigans March 17 2008, 21:22:53 UTC

Well, I'd say that if a doctor is capable and is still practicing, the older then the wiser. I mean, not to say that my grandfather is a neurosurgeon, but he is a dentist and he's nearing his 80s. He still practices and LOVES his patients and his work. I'd say his hands move slower as he gets older, not shakier. Not that I have any experience with a shunt... yet, but I'd say a doctor, regardless of insurance preference or anything like that, is better when older, especially with something as tricky as a shunt.