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Health & Fitness

DOES YOUR DOCTOR BITE ?

Of course, I don’t mean bite as in baring teeth and gnawing on your arm while taking a blood pressure… I mean bite as in… they look at a computer  while you’re talking OR they look at their watch and nod when you ask a question OR they walk out of the room with an all-knowing smile and a “Have a nice day!”…  and you didn’t even know you were finished!!!

When Marcus Welby, M.D.  (famous TV doctor played by Robert Young from 1969-1976), saw a patient… he knew everyone in their family… kept counsel with each of them… was invited to family events… and always assisted his patients in the selection of specialists, interpreting diagnostic reports  and advising next steps for successful treatments.

These days, patients are often leave their doctor’s office wondering about second opinions, changing doctors entirely or simply hoping that things will work out fine.  No wonder that a recent survey finds that half of all men ages 18 to 50 don’t even have a regular doctor.

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As our healthcare world continues to evolve… patients are going to experience changes that are good and bad in the name of efficiency and cost containment.  Physicians are experiencing the same problems… with increased reporting requirements, new computer systems and shrinking paychecks.

Yet, with all of the change… every patient has the right to expect their doctor to interact according to the patient need.  So when you see your doctor… tell them you understand that things are changing, and you understand that they are expected to do more… BUT you need their advice and help… and the next 12 minutes is yours!  Then…if your needs are not met…then that doctor probably “bites”… and it’s time to find another doctor.

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Keep moving!

Mike

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