Thursday, August 29, 2013

Telling Your Doctor What You Think


Don’t get me wrong, I love computers. But I do think they have a time and a place. Lately it seems that health care professionals, who may be required to enter my medical history into a computer, spend more time turned away from me than looking at me as they ask all of their questions and enter the data. But yesterday, my interaction at one doctor's office was different.

My mother had an appointment with a specialist as a follow-up to an MRI. She was very worried about it and concerned that she may need surgery. Neither of us could understand all of the medical jargon that was in her copy of the MRI report. We were hoping the doctor would put it in plain English.

The doctor entered the room without a laptop or anything. He introduced himself to us, pulled up a stool, looked her in the eyes and began to explain what he had seen on the scan. He described how blood vessels are supposed to be flexible and that arteriosclerosis makes them harder. The metaphor he used was that the arteries are like a garden hose and if left out in the sun – meaning as we age – it becomes less pliable and subject to cracking or swelling. He explained her medical condition in terms that we both understood. Then he said what was music to our ears . . . no surgery is required and to come back for another scan in six months.

After he left, I remarked to my mother that he seems very knowledgeable and truly cares about his patients. As I was leaving the office, I noticed a sign that said, “Please complete a survey on your experience in this office at www.healthgrades.com.”

Today's gift was giving the doctor a glowing report for his caring attitude and compassion for my mother and me. Before I go to a new physician, I look at reviews online and use it to help make my decision as to the doctor I choose. Hopefully my comments will help others choose this doctor and be as pleased as we are.

In Giving,

Robin

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