How many Drs. is enough Drs.?

Dad too had several Dr's. To keep track of mom and dad's docs, I got one of those card holder sheets (plastic sheets app 8"X10" with openings for business cards). I had one for my mom and a couple for dad where I placed their Dr business cards. Dad had more than mom. When mom and dad went to AL and they asked for their Dr's I gave them the sheets and they made copies for their records.

Your dad has mine beat for the number of drs. Before dad went on hospice he had his PCP (that dad wanted to see every 2 month - doc and I kept it at every 3), dermatologist/surgeon min of every 6 mos unless more CAs found, neurologist every 3 mos, VA for hearing as needed, eye doc every 3 mos, cardiologist as needed; Orthopedic as needed. Sometimes I met myself coming an going. Most often the AL facility would drop dad off - I'd meet him at dr and take him back until it got to hard to get him in the car. At that point they took and picked up and I met at dr and followed van back to AL most of the time so I could visit mom too.

I was by this time retired - but it was exhausting - because with dad there was usually an appt for dad multiple times a month. The VA was the worst because the AL van didn't go that far and there was parking issues and construction at the VA so I drive to drop off point get him settled in the lobby find a parking spot then walk a mile back to the building find dad go to audiology, get dad's hearing aids adjusted then reverse the process. It probably took an hour for just the process of dropping off, parking, walking, walking, getting car and picking up.

Dad died 2 years ago. And after COVID started I moved mom to the AL dr - so the dr visits have pretty much dried up.

Then of course there was mom's dr visits - however she negotiated her own dental and eye appts.

I wouldn't have accompanied them to the appts but whenever I asked what the dr had to say their responses was I thing the dr said ... . It was easier to go myself to see what the dr actually said.

Is there any other family that can help with the dr visits? You do have your hands full and I wish you all the best.

I agree, go over the list with his PCP. You may need to make a separate appt for this and if Dadvis not present, the visit wil, come out of your pocket. Drs can't charge Medicare if patient is not there.

How old is your Dad? Mom was in her 80s when I started asking for yearly appts. Then when nothing changed, numbers were stable, I stopped taking her. One Dr. allowed tests at six months and agreed she would only come in if there were changes. I don't see why you would need a surgeon one the operation was over and you had a follow up or two. The oncologist, maybe once a year if Dad is cancer free. Why do you need 2 eye doctors.

Some of these doctors are CURRENTLY treating your Dad, I would imagine. Some HAVE TREATED him in the past. Those that treated him in the past should explain why you are still seeing them. You should discuss this with your Dad's primary. Ask him "Which of these specialists are actively treating Dad now; which do I need to continue to see on an annual basis, and which can I leave behind now. I cannot cope with 12 doctors, nor can any care facility."
You may also request of MDs who are not doing actual in office exams that they move to virtual visits.
I sure wish you luck.