Doctors: Allies or Adversaries?

[Daniel E.]

I do like the alternative model for those who can afford it where some GPs in the U.S. refuse to accept insurance (and sometimes charge per minute ). But most people who can afford to pay say $75 for a GP visit would rather just naturally use their insurance, even if it means getting less face time.

 

[Halo]

I think that an overloaded medical system is the result of "some" doctors specifically GPs being overworked which leads to a more disrespectful bedside manner as well as being tired and grumpy which sends off a negative vibe to the patients.

On the other hand, I do no think that this "overloaded medical system" applies to private practice therapists and dentists as in my experience they have all had the opportunity to close off their practice when it has become the right size and therefore not take on anymore than they can handle. If that is the case, why still the lack of respect, negative feedback etc. It just shouldn't happen when the doctor is in control of the size of their practice and how many clients a day they see.

Of course, if one is dissatisfied with their current doctor, sometimes it's worth looking for a replacement.

In a perfect world that would be great. Speaking for myself, living in Canada, I know that the chances of obtaining a new GP in this country is slim to none. Obtaining a Psychiatrist where I live can be at least a one years wait. Psychologists are easier to obtain however the cost is a real deterent for many I think. However in my personal opinion, Psychologists are by far better therapists than Psychiatrists (again my personal opinion only).

 

[Atlantean]

Its been my experience that most the doctors in my life have either held little value, or caused more problems than they solved.

 

[forgetmenot]

I agree with alot of what Halo has said. Drs can limit the amount of pts they see in a day and despite how busy one gets and how burn't out one gets one does not have to be rude or disrepectful to another being. I too also see that psychologist have more understanding towards their pts then do psychiatrist.

 

[white page]

Having met many different doctors due to moving many times and chronic depression ,
The majority have been proffessional kind and very helpful , a couple were remarkable by their compassion and humanity . and a very small handful were on a bad day when I saw them , one was abusive . I think one would meet the same porportions of varying niceness in any proffession , it is extraordinary that any human being can stay in a relatively good humour in the face of the numerous daily dramas they have to confront and try to find solutions for, let alone the dramas they have no solutions for .

I realise I have not replied to the initial question of this thread , I see them very much as allies , if I give them appropriate answers to their questions they give me appropriate treatments , it's a two way relationship .

 

[Atlantean]

The biggest problem I have with most American trained doctors is they are too quick to slap a label on your forehead, shove a pill down your throat, and kick your butt out the door without addressing actual issues, only putting band-aids on the symptoms.

I could really care less if the reason is they are over booked, over worked, or just plain burnt out, the end result is the same and if they arent going to be therapeutic, they have little to no value IMO.

 

[Halo]

I agree 100% with what you said above Atlantean. :agree:

Couldn't have said it better myself :goodpost:

 

[Jazzey]

Thankfully, this isn't true of all doctors though. As I stated earlier in this thread, we are our best advocates. It has taken me a few dry runs, but I now have an amazing doctor; he doesn't look at the clock when I'm there, we discuss any and all medications issues (and he actually listens to my perspectives), whenever there's a medical concern, he sends me for testing immediately...and the list goes on.

Since August, because of a particularly difficult time in my life, he's also asked that I come in every month to see him. I go in so that we touch base and he can assess my general condition. He knows that I've struggled with certain issues, like suicidal ideation, and we discuss everything that is pertinent to my health.

Again, I think that sometimes we, as the patient, have to be the advocate for our own health...If I had accepted the poor treatment I'd received in the past, I don't think that I would be as vigilant about my health right now. It's through not accepting less than medical care that I found this spectacular doctor who is an active and collaborative participant in taking care of my health. And the only butt kicking he does is on me when I am not as diligent as I should be.

 

[Atlantean]

I dont mean to imply that all doctors are bad, I just firmly believe there arent enough good ones out there.

 

[Jazzey]

I dont mean to imply that all doctors are bad, I just firmly believe there arent enough good ones out there.

No worries Atlantean - I've had my share of a few bad ones too. I'm just trying to promote "making" our doctors listen to our issues. Doing some of the work ourselves by keeping track of our own health. I had a good friend of mine (who happens to be a doctor) suggest that, when a doctor is rushing you out the door, you turn the situation around.

So for instance- I've tried this (and it works): I go into my doctor's office with a list of 3 to 4 items (no more) that I need to deal with. Off the bat, I tell him - today I'm here because I need to talk to you about x,y, and z. And together, we go through that list. It helps him out because it keeps us focused on the current issues and for me, it's a way right off the bat of saying - "I'm not leaving until we've addressed them all"....Anyway, all this to say that I was in no way admonishing you for your posts Atlantean. I agree that there are some doctors who don't have good bedside manners. I just also believe that we can train them as to how WE need to be treated at times. Otherwise, I personally let my feet do the talking. But it can be difficult for some people, to find another doctor - that's where it becomes particularly important to be good advocates for ourselves.

 

[Atlantean]

I agree with what you said and I generally handle the situation much as you do. Good advice for all.

I didnt feel you were admonishing me, just so you know.

 

[Retired]

It's disappointing to find a medical professional whose manner and performance fails to meet our expectations. But what if our expectations are unrealistic?

It's always nice to deal with someone whose personality is compatible with ours, but is this really an important trait in a physician?

As long as the doctor has all the facts, and can make a diagnosis then provide treatment options, isn't that pretty much all we want?

Coming prepared, as has been mentioned, can make the doctor's job easier.

Asking questions about the options and being able to discuss the options and receive answers to our questions are important traits, IMO. I believe we need someone with whom we can become partners in our healthcare.

In the end, we are the consumers of healthcare services, and even though it may be difficult due to local limitations, it is not impossible to change doctors, if we are dissatisfied. It may take time, but it's time well spent to find a doctor with whom we can feel we are receiving competent care.

Are we looking for skill or personality when visiting a physician?

 

[Into The Light]

skill is very important or else they cannot help us. but being treated with some respect matters too.

 

[NicNak]

On that note Steve.

My father had open heart surgery, a quadruple bipass, a few years ago. He was operated on by one of the best Heart Surgeons in North America, and in one of the best hospitals in Toronto.


After the surgery, he mumbled our names and told us he was critical, had 3 units of blood and had internal bleeding and was in ICU and we could see him in about half hour and went to walk away. I asked him to repeat himself, cause he mumbled so quietly and quick.

Naturally he would have been tired after performing a 6 hour surgery.

To my Dad, he was very nice. Still made his frequent rounds etc.

I always say, to someone who is genuine, being nice is easy. It takes minimal efforts to be respectful at the very least. Especially since Medical Professionals did choose to study and become Doctors, Nurses and such to assist people one would think that a certian level of respect would be a given.

 

[forgetmenot]

Steve i am looking for both. Yes it is imperative to have the best knowledgable doctor but if that person makes you feel worthless or less important the the prescription pad he or she is writing on then you find the patient will not go back again for another important issue. It only takes a minute to be polite to smile to be considerate. I don't get it. I am overworked have double patient load but never do i belittle my patients or talk down to them. In the time it takes to be sacrastic and cruel i can deliver a touch or a smile or a praise for their courage. If i did what some of the doctors did i would be fired or called in on it. Knowledge is certainly important but bedside manners is just as important for mental well being of a patient.

 

[Halo]

It's disappointing to find a medical professional whose manner and performance fails to meet our expectations. But what if our expectations are unrealistic?

Should our expectations be any different that they were 10, 20 or 30 years ago. Just because doctors have more patients to deal with and more paperwork to complete, it doesn't give them the right to treat their patients with disrespect or be rude. It was their choice of profession, I am sure they knew what they were walking into as they didn't do this blindly I am sure, so if helping people is not their #1 priority, they are in the wrong profession.

As long as the doctor has all the facts, and can make a diagnosis then provide treatment options, isn't that pretty much all we want?

I agree that as long as the doctor has all the facts then they can make a diagnosis but in my case my gp needs to stop long enough to listen to me when I am trying to tell him the facts. I have come prepared for an appointment with notes etc. and it was simply frowned upon and met with increased frustration.

I believe we need someone with whom we can become partners in our healthcare.

I also agree with this however for me, partners means two people and if one of them is not interested and isn't really a willing participant but seems only interested in getting you out the door, then I really don't think one can call it a partnership. What I have with my current GP as well as a couple of previous psychiatrists is exactly this.

In the end, we are the consumers of healthcare services, and even though it may be difficult due to local limitations, it is not impossible to change doctors, if we are dissatisfied. It may take time, but it's time well spent to find a doctor with whom we can feel we are receiving competent care.

Not impossible but do you honestly know how many people are without a family doctor in Ontario alone. It is almost impossible unless you snag someone just setting up practice but even then I am told that usually within 3 days they are no longer accepting new patients. Seriously....3 days... mg:

Are we looking for skill or personality when visiting a physician?

I am looking for both. They obviously have to have skill but I cannot open up and have a discussion about my health with someone who I feel doesn't care and that is shown through their personality.

Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that we have to be chums, friends or even like each other but to at least have a working sort of relationship and have the same goal which is my health and wellbeing. Although technically I am not "paying" out of my pocket for my gp's and psychiatrists services, it doesn't give them the right to say/do whatever they please.

Anyway, as you can see, I have really had bad, bad experiences with medical professionals in general be it family doctors, psychiatrists, specialists etc. I know that others have had great experiences with their health care professionals and I am not saying that I haven't hit upon a few good ones. The few good ones that I have had or do have I cherish.

My :2cents: and I will get off my soapbox now

 

[Retired]

Should our expectations be any different that they were 10, 20 or 30 years ago.

In Canada, most definitely yes. The state of the medical system has deteriorated significantly during that period, and the morale of physicians has similarly deteriorated. They are inundated with impossible bureaucracy from the Provincial governments, their affiliated hospitals along with trying to cover their expenses.

It was their choice of profession, I am sure they knew what they were walking into as they didn't do this blindly

The idealism of the university student is quickly overcome by the reality of the real world the day they begin their practice. Most graduates in Canada do not remain in Canada for that reason, combined with the reduced number of student openings..hence the doctor shortage.

if that person makes you feel worthless or less important the the prescription pad he or she is writing on then you find the patient will not go back again for another important issue

You're right, Mary. There is no excuse for rudeness, especially when dealing with someone in need of healthcare. It's inexcusable behaviour.

Do you find rude behaviour prevalent among some, all or most of the staff physicians you encounter? What about residents...and do the medical students imitate the behaviour of their teachers?

Is it possible this type of bad behaviour among some healthcare workers comes out of frustration in their work environment?

 

[forgetmenot]

I do find the rudeness is in only some of the doctors i encounter. Mostly the older doctors who i thing are overwhelmed with the work load. The interns or new doctors are more polite and considerate towards the patients because i think they are being trained better in bedside manners.

 

[Roy H.]

I think they've worked good with me. I hadn't had insurance in many years and stayed away as much as possible and only recently sought out professional help for some mental and emotional issues I was having. I think MN has the best State system in the USA, or at least one of the best. The people seem to be good here. The only problem I have is with County doctors who seem to process you rather quickly; they sort of seem to want you in-and-out ASAP. I can report back further findings.