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My Primary Care Provider changed which hospital she is affiliated with, and sent a letter letting us know about it. At first, I didn't think anything about it, but as I am getting more deeply into reopening the cancer treatment, I realize that the communications link is broken.

It was great that she could just click into my record and see the tests that were being run, see the treatments discussed, etc. And equally important, my oncologists could see what she was working on. Now that piece has become more complicated and cumbersome.

Last visit, my oncologist told me that I have to get a better handle on my blood pressure. Especially in light of dealing with the stress of treatments, she didn't want the added complication. I agree. But first I have to find a new PCP who is in the same hospital system, one that can work more closely with my oncologists. She tells me that she is more than willing to go to bat on my behalf if necessary. Just let her know.

So I begin the crazy process again. Nothing has changed. I call the doctor referral line, and they tell me two places that are accepting new patients within their system. I call the first number. "I'm sorry, the number you have called is no longer in service . . ." They have moved, and, oh, btw, they are no longer accepting new patients!

I call the second number, and one of the menu options is the new patient referral line. This is more promising. I call, get voice mail and leave a message. In two days, I find a voice mail message on my phone saying that if I am still interested in becoming a new patient, to call the number. I call, get voice mail, leave a message. This silly game goes on for over a week. I am frustrated.

I go to the website for the hospital and wade through hundreds of pages, trying to sort through the information and figure out who might be taking new patients. Its easy to know who isn't since their personal page clearly states at the top NOT ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS. I jot down several likely candidates and call. Nope.

Back to the website. It isn't very up to date - there are doctors listed who have moved out of the area. I ponder this roadblock. Ideally, I should be able to interview a number of doctors to see who might be a good match for my needs and health issues. It would be nice to get in early with a geriatric specialist since the news tells us that is becoming a huge problem what with boomers needs and all. This is what I get for moving around so much and not being established in an area!

I decide to sleep on it, even though I have a list of new potential candidates. At home, I talk to the good Lord about this. "Lord, you know I need a good doctor who is going to be helpful with all the stuff I am dealing with - someone who will work well with my oncologist, who will help me sort out the normal health issues from the cancer ones. Can you please direct me?"

The next day, I take one more look at the website. Suddenly, there is a name that jumps off the monitor at me. I read her background and interests. Yes, this sounds like a good match. I call the number. A friendly voice on the other end takes my information and a bit of my history. She asks the name of the referring doctor, I give her my oncologist's name. Maybe the uniqueness of my cancer will interest her!

They tell me it will take awhile for them to put my name through their process - they are selective apparently! They will call and let me know. I am praying that they will take me on. Otherwise, its back to the drawing board - or rather, the website.