I have a question fo you all.

[Bidin~Time]

I've been curious about this for some time, but never had the time to ask the question. Today, I have the time.

When you go the doctor, whether it's your PCP or a Doc in the Box, or an ER doc. How much time do you devote to asking questions about the necessity or point of the treatment plan?

Recently, I experienced someone who opted to pay 4 office visits for 4 injections that conservatively will cost someone over 1000$. The reason they opted for this treatment plan was they didn't like taking medicine in pill or liquid form, and refused the prescription. I have had patient ask me, AFTER seeing the doctor, if this test or that test is necessary; a question I can not and will not answer as it is out of my scope of practice, and further, those are questions that should have been addressed to the doctor. All i can do is offer to send the doc back in to talk with them. I often wonder why people don't discuss these issues, as well as the cost, with their doctors. It's not something that's going to adversely impact their treatment plan, even if they refuse testing.

So, I'm asking. Do you discuss reservations over treatment plans and address costs? or do you just figure he or she is the doctor, so they must know best?

 

[Sonny Limatina]

I am a difficult patient. I ask many questions and make Self-Impressed MD slow the fuck down and talk like a person.

 

[koalabear]

Family docs have become referral machines for additional testing, it keeps the costs up.

 

[Bidin~Time]

I am a difficult patient. I ask many questions and make Self-Impressed MD slow the fuck down and talk like a person.

GOOD!!

That is as it should be.

Recently, I ask my PCP if the frequency of the boodwork she wanted me to have was necessary. My reason was, that I barely get one set of test paid off before it's time to go in again and have blood drawn. She thought a few minutes and we talked, and she admitted the testing cycle could be cut in half with no ill effects.

Do people not realize they are actually allowed to ask questions? heck, they are even allowed to refuse testing.

 

[Sean]

I live in a civilised country so cost isn't an issue.

 

[Bidin~Time]

Family docs have become referral machines for additional testing, it keeps the costs up.

Actually Mister Bear, that's another thread entirely. But let's address it based on my question here. yes, doctor's refer, the reasons are numerous, and since I'm not privy to every doctor's personal thoughts on a given situation, I can't answer why they refer. So, if a patient (let's say You, for example) questions the validity of the necessity of going for another medical opinion, do you express this to your doctor and insist they give you the reasons for the referral? or do you go to the arranged appointment like a good lil patient robot?

 

[neci]

i always discuss cost with my doctor. i also discuss treatment plans and all that other jazz. i am very thorough, because i pay for it out of my own pocket.

 

[Sonny Limatina]

GOOD!!

That is as it should be.

Recently, I ask my PCP if the frequency of the boodwork she wanted me to have was necessary. My reason was, that I barely get one set of test paid off before it's time to go in again and have blood drawn. She thought a few minutes and we talked, and she admitted the testing cycle could be cut in half with no ill effects.

Do people not realize they are actually allowed to ask questions? heck, they are even allowed to refuse testing.

My uncle was recovering from an embolism recently, and had to stop an intern from giving him a ten-fold (over)dose of medicine. He said, "Give me my chart," read it himself, then told the intern to look at the dose he was getting ready to give him. (True story.)

I challenge doctors all the time. I am not uneducated, and I get impatient with the "it's a bunch of technical stuff you wouldn't understand" tone that most doctors take.

I hate to say it, but I think of them as glorified car mechanics. Sure, I trust a good mechanic. But it's still my car.

ETA: Actually, come to think of it, I like mechanics better.

 

[Bidin~Time]

I live in a civilised country so cost isn't an issue.

Personal cost, or lack thereof, shouldn't keep you, or anyone else from asking questions about their medical care. Do you ask questions?

 

[where]

it's never even occured to me to discuss cost. As far as treatments go, the various options are always discussed along with the potential negative outcomes. Isn't that normal? Who goes to a doctor who doesn't tell them what the treatment entails?

 

[Bidin~Time]

i always discuss cost with my doctor. i also discuss treatment plans and all that other jazz. i am very thorough, because i pay for it out of my own pocket.

Again, I say, GOOD!!

 

[koalabear]

Actually Mister Bear, that's another thread entirely. But let's address it based on my question here. yes, doctor's refer, the reasons are numerous, and since I'm not privy to every doctor's personal thoughts on a given situation, I can't answer why they refer. So, if a patient (let's say You, for example) questions the validity of the necessity of going for another medical opinion, do you express this to your doctor and insist they give you the reasons for the referral? or do you go to the arranged appointment like a good lil patient robot?

I rarely take his advice, he's a Buddhist.

 

[EllieTalbot]

I've been fortunate enough in my adult life not to have had any maladies that necessitated referral or treatment beyond a prescription for antibiotics. However, having read this thread, I will make sure to pester the doc with lots of questions when I do.

Picky about Penicillin,
Ellie

 

[kotori]

Actually Mister Bear, that's another thread entirely. But let's address it based on my question here. yes, doctor's refer, the reasons are numerous, and since I'm not privy to every doctor's personal thoughts on a given situation, I can't answer why they refer. So, if a patient (let's say You, for example) questions the validity of the necessity of going for another medical opinion, do you express this to your doctor and insist they give you the reasons for the referral? or do you go to the arranged appointment like a good lil patient robot?

I find the opposite situation to be a problem: I know I need a dermatologist (for example) but have to go to my PCP first for a referral because the insurance company thinks I'm too stupid to know it's my skin.

 

[JohnnySausage]

Doctors lie. Sorry to burst that bubble.

 

[Bidin~Time]

it's never even occured to me to discuss cost. As far as treatments go, the various options are always discussed along with the potential negative outcomes. Isn't that normal? Who goes to a doctor who doesn't tell them what the treatment entails?

You would be absolutely shocked at the number of people whose only response to being asked why they were having this or that performed is, I don't know, he said something about <fill in the blank with a reason that's usually mispronounced and or misunderstood>

 

[neci]

Again, I say, GOOD!!

a lot of times there are alternatives to costly treatments and prescriptions. there are generic medications and samples on hand at the office. not that it can't get costly, but i've found a doctor who works with me.

 

[where]

You would be absolutely shocked at the number of people whose only response to being asked why they were having this or that performed is, I don't know, he said something about <fill in the blank with a reason that's usually mispronounced and or misunderstood>

fuck. scary. I suppose with me it's because I have been taught by my mum who is an 'expert patient'

 

[Bidin~Time]

I rarely take his advice, he's a Buddhist.

I do not find the revelation that you are non compliant surprising.

I've been fortunate enough in my adult life not to have had any maladies that necessitated referral or treatment beyond a prescription for antibiotics. However, having read this thread, I will make sure to pester the doc with lots of questions when I do.

Picky about Penicillin,
Ellie

Please do! and if they won't answer you to your satisfaction, fire them!

I find the opposite situation to be a problem: I know I need a dermatologist (for example) but have to go to my PCP first for a referral because the insurance company thinks I'm too stupid to know it's my skin.

That is annoying, but not surprising. Most insurance companies require a referral to certain specialists. It's nuts, in my opinion.

 

[Bidin~Time]

a lot of times there are alternatives to costly treatments and prescriptions. there are generic medications and samples on hand at the office. not that it can't get costly, but i've found a doctor who works with me.

quoted so people will read it twice. as this is mostly true, especially concerning medications.

 

[Bidin~Time]

My uncle was recovering from an embolism recently, and had to stop an intern from giving him a ten-fold (over)dose of medicine. He said, "Give me my chart," read it himself, then told the intern to look at the dose he was getting ready to give him. (True story.)

I challenge doctors all the time. I am not uneducated, and I get impatient with the "it's a bunch of technical stuff you wouldn't understand" tone that most doctors take.

I hate to say it, but I think of them as glorified car mechanics. Sure, I trust a good mechanic. But it's still my car.

ETA: Actually, come to think of it, I like mechanics better.

Any doctor who condescends and patronizes, should be told goodbye. i will not go to a doctor who treats me as though I have no capacity to comprehend.

 

[koalabear]

I do not find the revelation that you are non compliant surprising.

He did give good advice once, drink Bourbon or French Wine to raise my good cholesterol count.

 

[Bidin~Time]

He did give good advice once, drink Bourbon or French Wine to raise my good cholesterol count.

Which did you choose?

 

[koalabear]

Which did you choose?

Both.

 

[Bidin~Time]

Both.

<faux shocked look>