Amoung Throckmorton's many accomplishments in medicine, the sign that bears his name carries the greatest legacy. Just as his radiographic sign has helped many a trauma surgeon and ER physician rapidly identify a serious medical problem, it is hoped that his other signs will alert the voting public of other things that are seriously wrong with our medical and legal systems.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Not the Patient!
There are many times when a patient comes in with either a family member or friend who tries to hog the whole patient visit by talking about their own medical problems. I had one today who didnt even let the patient get a word in edgewise. The patient's friend wanted to talk about her own bypass and how she had all these test. I finally had to explain that it was her friend medical issues that the visit was for. No sooner had I said this then she started talking about how she had belly pain. Eventually, I interupted and asked the patient if I could talk to her in private and asked the patients friend to step out. With the friend out of the way, I was able to talk to the patient and get her the treatment she needed. The patient's friend used the time out of the room to fill out a survey that said I was rude and inconsiderate. I wanted to tell her that it was a patient satisfaction survery and she was Not the Patient!
Throckmorton - it sounds like you were more than patient with the non patient.
ReplyDeleteYou'd be right to tell her ...but she wouldn't get it.
And she'd probably fill out a second one...cause she didn't get it. :)
Btw - good idea to have an in office survey. Do you ever get any useful suggestions/feedback?