When doctors give less than best service... (Full Version)

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FunBetty -> When doctors give less than best service... (7/14/2008 5:30:35 PM)

Last week I had a visit with a dermatologist, who in one fell swoop, walks in, looks at my face, and starts pretty much typing up prescriptions. I'd previously been diagnosed with two separate conditions (different doctor, different state) and had just run out of meds for one of them (the meds worked).

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions (no samples!) and the visit is over.He also tells me to come back in 6 weeks for a followup. I felt like I was rushed through a fast food drive through!

I don't want to go back to this guy, so what should I do? Grin and bear it until check up time comes and get the extended refills? Get another doc and restart the entire process? Should I get my medical records from the original doctor and see if I can bypass two appointments (original + followup) with a new doctor?



etnlyHis -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/15/2008 1:55:52 PM)

Even a doctor who graduates last in his class is still a doctor. All those years of medical school give them lots of information, but few get any training on patient relationships.

If it were me, I'd get my records and go elsewhere. I would also send the doctor a letter explaining why I switched. (He'll neer get it if nobody tells him ) If your condition is at all rare, you may want to find a doctor who is familiar with it.



FunBetty -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/15/2008 2:03:57 PM)

Nope...it's not a rare condition at all. The first doctor I went to was actually a LPN...but she took the time to study my skin and explain all of the meds she had given to me.

Thanks. I don't think I'll be going back to this place. I'm going to try out another place. But I think I'll get the records from the first place, since they were much more thorough.



Miss Giggles -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/15/2008 2:32:54 PM)

same thing happened to me at the dermatologist. Guess they want their money on botox and the other expensive procedures (the office was in the wealthy area)



Roberta_ -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/15/2008 2:41:59 PM)

I've had the same thing happen on occasion when going to a new pdoc. It's very frustrating when they do that! I don't go back.



cow451 -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/15/2008 2:56:30 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FunBetty

Nope...it's not a rare condition at all. The first doctor I went to was actually a LPN...but she took the time to study my skin and explain all of the meds she had given to me.

Thanks. I don't think I'll be going back to this place. I'm going to try out another place. But I think I'll get the records from the first place, since they were much more thorough.


The first doctor you went to wasn't a doctor. The first time you probably saw a Nurse Practicioner, the highest training a nurse can get. They (and Physician's Assistants) are often employed as "physician extenders", meaning they see "routine" cases and help determine if new patients can be managed with less direct physician involvement. They are supervised by the physician, but in most states can practice independently. Most people like them for the exact reason you did. So, when shopping for a new doc, ask the office which medical professionals will be seeing you so that you can make an informed decision.

My primary care doc is a Physician's Assistant and she is great.



agapetos -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/16/2008 12:03:04 PM)

quote:

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions (no samples!)
I have to ask, should 'samples' really be expected when you go to a doctor? I know that we have a different health care service here, but I don't know of anyone who expects samples when they see a doctor.
quote:

I'd previously been diagnosed with two separate conditions (different doctor, different state) and had just run out of meds for one of them (the meds worked).

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions

I'm going to say that I'm not terribly clear about this. My understanding. You'd be diagnosed, got meds and then run out so gone to a different doctor (I'm guessing you moved) for repeat prescriptions. And the doctor seemed to give you these. Perhaps he assumed that since they were repeat meds, you would have already had them explained to you and he saw no need to repeat what you knew.

I do think that you should consider your options here. Who's to say that the new doctor is going to treat you any differently than the one you've just seen? And if that happens, what will you do?

I think it's a good idea to write to him to explain your feelings and what you wanted and expected from him and then wait and see what his response it ~ either by letter or at your next appointment if you decide to keep it.

Remember that doctors are only human, even though we may think they're more. They can have off days too and get worn down by so many patients who don't follow their directions.



FunBetty -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/16/2008 12:12:20 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: agapetos

quote:

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions (no samples!)
I have to ask, should 'samples' really be expected when you go to a doctor? I know that we have a different health care service here, but I don't know of anyone who expects samples when they see a doctor.
quote:

I'd previously been diagnosed with two separate conditions (different doctor, different state) and had just run out of meds for one of them (the meds worked).

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions

I'm going to say that I'm not terribly clear about this. My understanding. You'd be diagnosed, got meds and then run out so gone to a different doctor (I'm guessing you moved) for repeat prescriptions. And the doctor seemed to give you these. Perhaps he assumed that since they were repeat meds, you would have already had them explained to you and he saw no need to repeat what you knew.

I do think that you should consider your options here. Who's to say that the new doctor is going to treat you any differently than the one you've just seen? And if that happens, what will you do?

I think it's a good idea to write to him to explain your feelings and what you wanted and expected from him and then wait and see what his response it ~ either by letter or at your next appointment if you decide to keep it.

Remember that doctors are only human, even though we may think they're more. They can have off days too and get worn down by so many patients who don't follow their directions.


I think samples are good because it gives you a chance to try the drug and make sure your body does not react to them. One of my meds (from the previous doctor) made me nauteous to no end so I had to stop taking that pill. Pharmaceutical reps give these samples to doctors for that purpose, and to also help push their new product.

Two of the prescriptions the new doctor gave me were different than the previous doctor. I have not filled them yet because it's a $45 copay for each (non-preferred brand). I was given no verbal instructions, no instruction sheet, so I'll have no idea how to use them in combination with each other.

I don't like to go to doctors unless there is a need. I'm generally a very healthy person with no history of medical problems. But, why should I continue to go to this doctor when it is clear that I did not get the minimal care of understanding my treatment?



Miss Giggles -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/16/2008 12:14:56 PM)

Actually I saw the dermatologist. Supposedly there is a shortage of dermatologists and its supposed to be the hardest specialty to get into but it doesn't excuse rushed treatment. I don't think they use a lot of nurse practioners in dermatology offices.

Our dermatologists have 1 month to 6 month wait for appointments. Fortunately my issue cleared up but its very hard to get a timely appointment.



FunBetty -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/16/2008 12:20:24 PM)

The first doc, excuse me....LPN I went to was at a very small office. I'm in a bigger town now, so I would have thought that going to a larger dermatologist office would mean getting an LPN as well.

And yeah, I had to wait about 3 weeks for an appointment. Which is why I ran out of meds.



agapetos -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/16/2008 12:38:38 PM)

As I said, I explained my understanding and now you've explained a little further.

quote:

I was given no verbal instructions, no instruction sheet, so I'll have no idea how to use them in combination with each other.
This seems to be another difference in our health care systems. We always have information leaflets given to us with the medication, not the prescription. I've sometimes required further information but generally got this from the pharmacist (though I'd have no problem phoning my doctor if necessary). I also check carefully through reputable internet sites info about meds etc.

quote:

I don't like to go to doctors unless there is a need. I'm generally a very healthy person with no history of medical problems
. I hear what you are saying about not going unless there is a need and I can't help wonder if this situation is partly because you're not used to dealing with doctors. I've leant (though I'd much rather not to have had to) that it can be pretty tough talking to doctors (and other health care people) and I need to be prepared to express my needs and ask questions about my treatment. I've just seen a new health care worker today and was fortunate in that our thinking about my needs and care were very similar ~ but I was prepared to state what I needed.

quote:

But, why should I continue to go to this doctor when it is clear that I did not get the minimal care of understanding my treatment?
I am not saying that you should continue to go to a doctor when you feel like this. I'm suggested though that you let him know your feelings and see what he says. As was said earlier, he may not realise what he did and this will be a wake up call. He may be an incredible doctor despite your initial bad impression of him.

I don't think you should keep going to this (or any) doctor who treats you badly and makes no attempt to make ammends, but I do think that we should always consider giving second chances.



Mrs.Wifey -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 11:49:19 AM)

quote:

I'm in a bigger town now, so I would have thought that going to a larger dermatologist office would mean getting an LPN as well.


An LPN is a "Licensed Practical Nurse" who usually only has about 18 months of school and hasn't passed an RN exam. They are not allowed to write prescriptions(neither is an RN) so you must have seem a Nurse Practitioner(NP).
quote:


This seems to be another difference in our health care systems. We always have information leaflets given to us with the medication, not the prescription. I've sometimes required further information but generally got this from the pharmacist (though I'd have no problem phoning my doctor if necessary). I also check carefully through reputable internet sites info about meds etc.


Depends on the doctor. I'm always given an information print out that outlines the treatment protocol, basic information about whatever disorder is being treated, and information on side effects, etc...

Betty, I would give the doctor a second chance and if you still don't like him then go elsewhere.



FunBetty -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 11:50:26 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Mrs.Wifey

quote:

I'm in a bigger town now, so I would have thought that going to a larger dermatologist office would mean getting an LPN as well.


An LPN is a "Licensed Practical Nurse" who usually only has about 18 months of school and hasn't passed an RN exam. They are not allowed to write prescriptions(neither is an RN) so you must have seem a Nurse Practitioner(NP).


Yeah, that sounds right. *shrugs* Back to the point.



IonMoon -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 4:33:43 PM)

We recently had a potentially very serious problem with an NP.

We went to the Walgreen's Take Care clinic because my ds19 has no health insurance right now & it was the weekend, so it was that or the ER (which we canNOT afford!).

He gets severe reactions to poison ivy. The NP insisted that his swollen eyes were just "a bit puffy" and it was probably pollen or mold in the air and all he needed was Claritin. I bowed to her medical knowledge and told my ds he was probably wrong this time (he always gets itchy eyes, they swell, then he gets the rash).

She said he could take Zyrtec, which might work better, but could make him tired (after I already explained he had been excessively sleepy and slept the entire day). So, we had never tried Zyrtec (the Claritin never works) and went home and he took that... the next morning, his eyes were completely swelled shut and he was covered with PI. Called the dr and they got him on prednisone ASAP. He is finally doing better.

Well... we are upset now, because thinking through it, it was OBVIOUSLY not just from pollen or mold as she suggested, because he would have had other allergy symptoms. And I found out that the sooner you get on the steroids, the better they work. Waiting in this case can be life threatening.

My dh & ds talked to Walgreen's reps on the phone & someone is supposed to call them back, but I don't think they get the complaint. They think we are mad because she wouldn't give him what he asked for (steroids), we are mad because she made a very obviously wrong dx that could have been life threatening and resulted in his tx being delayed and his reaction much worse.

Anyhow... I would 1) switch doctors and 2) let the doctor's office know why you won't be back.

It is important that drs be thorough in their exam, patient history, and explanation of tx. They shouldn't be just pushing pills.

As for samples, very few drs I have encountered give them out.

Tara P



agapetos -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 5:46:15 PM)

quote:

My dh & ds talked to Walgreen's reps on the phone & someone is supposed to call them back, but I don't think they get the complaint. They think we are mad because she wouldn't give him what he asked for (steroids), we are mad because she made a very obviously wrong dx that could have been life threatening and resulted in his tx being delayed and his reaction much worse.
Someone is supposed to be calling the clinic back? Personally, if you're in any doubt they did this, you should send a copy of the letter (or a letter if your contact had been via 'phone) and tell them your experience.



MrsTracy72 -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 6:18:08 PM)

So two of the prescriptions were what you already had plus two new ones? I would just fill the two I know work, then maybe call the office and speak to his nurse or assistant and tell them how you feel. Ask if they can pull your chart to see why you were given additional meds and also look them up online. I look everything up if it is new and there are certian drugs I will NOT take and my doc is well aware of my concerns.

Also, next time if you feel as if the doc is rushing you, stop him/her and simply tell them you have questions. If at that time, they tell you they are too busy to give you the time of day, then of course tell them that you do not plan on returning and that you are going to let your insurance company know of your experience because if the doc is not giving you the care you need, then they don't deserve to get paid. But if the doc stays and answers all of your questions, then you know it is ok. Sometimes it just takes time to get used to a new clinic and or doc.



Kat_D -> RE: When doctors give less than best service... (7/17/2008 6:43:35 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: FunBetty

Last week I had a visit with a dermatologist, who in one fell swoop, walks in, looks at my face, and starts pretty much typing up prescriptions. I'd previously been diagnosed with two separate conditions (different doctor, different state) and had just run out of meds for one of them (the meds worked).

So, about 10 minutes later he leaves the office, hands me four prescriptions (no samples!) and the visit is over.He also tells me to come back in 6 weeks for a followup. I felt like I was rushed through a fast food drive through!

I don't want to go back to this guy, so what should I do? Grin and bear it until check up time comes and get the extended refills? Get another doc and restart the entire process? Should I get my medical records from the original doctor and see if I can bypass two appointments (original + followup) with a new doctor?


Was this a doctor who is a member of an HMO? If so, you have been indoctrinated into the club of having a physician who has a quota over his/her head and is pressured to see more patients in a day (which translates to shorter amounts of time spent with each one), has to have any procedures/surgeries he wants to do authorized by insurance clerks with no medical training, is swamped by paperwork, and receives such low reimbursements from the HMO's that he/she is probably losing money.

Sort of takes all the fun out of being a doctor, huh? None of that makes for a caring/concerned/happy physician and consequently, his patients will suffer.



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