"Are you going to read my chart?"

[MariesMama]

I'm pregnant with my second child and seeing a different OB this time around, as my old OB no longer practices. New OB is in the same health system as old OB.

I've now seen new OB for an annual, my IUD removal, and my first appointment for this pregnancy. Am I wrong to expect her to at least look over my chart from delivering DD, so she knows what I'm talking about when I ask about complications from last time?

[unuselyriver]

no you are not asking to much if i where you and she would not look over my chart i would find a new ob

[phathui5]

It's a perfectly reasonable thing to ask her to do, if she hasn't already.

[Quinalla]

Nope, not wrong to expect her to look over your chart, but I would also go into detail with her about it as it is hard telling how accurate your chart is. I don't expect my OB to remember everything, but I do expect it to be written down and for her to take a minute or two to look it over before coming in to see me at each appointment.

[MariesMama]

I'm now in the process of switching OBs altogether. The new OB practice "screens" their new patients' charts, so I don't know if I'm "in" or not.

[Sphinxy]

My practice had an introductory questionnaire that asked a billion questions about past pregnancies and deliveries, and encouraged bringing in past medical records if I had them. First pregnancy for me so not relevant, but it certainly gave me an expectation that this would be normal in the future. I would think they would want as much info as possible.

[michelleepotter]

I would absolutely expect my new doctor to look over my chart without being asked. If I were you, I'd open up the conversation by saying, "I'd like to discuss the complications I had with my last baby. Are you familiar with it, or do you need a minute to look over the chart and refresh your memory?"

[cynthiamoon]

You know, I found it is much more common than it should be for midwives, nurses and docs I've seen to have no clue what's going on with me before they walk into the room.

It's part of the reason I left Mountain Midwifery, and one of my biggest pet peeves with all medical care.

I think you should feel empowered enough as a patient to change practices if you feel like they pay NO attention to your history-- but I would try reminding them at first and expressing that this level of attention is important to you. Then at least you can say you gave them a fair chance. 

[cynthiamoon]

Originally Posted by michelleepotter 

I would absolutely expect my new doctor to look over my chart without being asked. If I were you, I'd open up the conversation by saying, "I'd like to discuss the complications I had with my last baby. Are you familiar with it, or do you need a minute to look over the chart and refresh your memory?"

I like this way of putting it! It holds them accountable for not doing it when they should have without being confrontational. Plus-- it implies you're giving them the benefit of the doubt.