Before I get started, let me say that I am very, very grateful to live in the Boston area, where I have access to world-class medical professionals. I never take good health for granted. That being said, a recent experience during my annual physical made me stop and think.
I schedule the first appointment of the day, thinking that the doctor will be on time. Wrong – I waited 45 minutes for her to come into the room. I think the office double and triple books appointments. I don’t blame the doctor, I have a feeling that she has a set number of patients that she must see each day. The math must not work for seeing one patient at a time.
Before the doctor comes in, the nurse comes in and asks me a lot of questions. All the while, she is staring at the computer screen and not at me. I felt like I was talking to a wall. I could live with that because I know everything has to be in the electronic records. What was worse was the questions she asked. Every year, I get the same question about some medication that I took ONCE for a few days. Every year, I tell them I no longer take that prescription and am assured they will make a note of it on my records, yet it still shows up. The nurse then weighs me and measures my height. She then takes my blood pressure. She quickly types these numbers into the computer without saying much. I have learned that if you want to know your numbers, you have to ask. So I ask and she tells me. I maintain, shouldn’t patients be told these numbers automatically, without having to ask?
The nurse is supposedly reading directly from my records and questioned the fact that I hadn’t had some screenings done for over two years. Um, I just had those screenings done a month ago. And at the hospital that you all are affiliated with. She shakes her head and madly taps away at the keyboard and can’t seem to find these records. This went on for a few screenings. I KNOW they are there, since I have gone online myself and can see the results. What is the purpose of medical records if you can’t find them??????
You really have to be your own advocate and keep track of your tests, results and everything else. My doctor started to suggest that I see a specialist for something. I apologized for interrupting her, but told her that she had suggested that last year and I have been seeing that specialist.
I left my appointment more stressed than ever. I do feel bad for the doctors and nurses though since they have to deal with stuff every day.
What about you? What fun medical experiences have you had?
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
Judith Brady
June 13, 2018
I totally understand what you are saying ,as well as your frustration. I will leave it at that ,as I would not even know where to begin with my stories .You also already know many of them.
I know as with everything else , all processes shift and change as society evolves,but as much as we also benefit from many of these evolutions, I can’t help but also miss the “old days” when the same Dr treated the entire family and knew us as individuals . It is such a complex situation with so many pieces to the puzzle that it often feels overwhelming to deal with, from all ends of the spectrum.
That said, I have been so blessed with a wonderful Primary Care Dr. and have realized that the best thing is to be our own best advocates,speak up when situations need to be addressed and if we can’t be our own advocates, have a loved one be our advocate . I also speak up and let my gratitude be known when I have treated successfully above and beyond.
As for the lateness issue , I have always appreciated when my Dr would show respect for MY time,by a simple apology that there was an emergency or something .It amazes me how much simple gestures can go such a long way to engender good will for all.
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Nancy Loderick
June 13, 2018
Hi Miss Judi,
You are the one who has taught me to be my own advocate. In some ways it was much easier to be an advocate for my Mom, than being an advocate for myself.
Nancy
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Kathi
June 13, 2018
I think we must use the same doctor. Sounds identical to what I go through, every time I go to the doctor, which is often. For at least 10 years they ask if I still take certain medications, “no, you took me off of those 10 years ago”. THEM: Are you still allergic to such and such? ME: well, yes, I suppose I am, but since you took me off of that medication, I really don’t know. THEM: “How is your new knee doing”? ME: Well, it has been over a year and a half, but it hurts worse now, than it did before it was replaced. “Oh, I am sorry to hear that, keep exercising and would you like to set up your surgery to replace your other knee? ME: no thank you, I would rather limp the rest of my life and deal with the pain from one knee than be in a wheelchair because both knees do not work. THEM: Well, we will see you back here in 6 months!!! ME: I am not so sure about that.
So frustrating. I don’t think they listen, and like you said Nancy, they are too busy typing into their laptops and actually don’t hear a word your are saying.
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Nancy Loderick
June 13, 2018
Hi Kathi,
My sympathies to you! I know exactly what you are going through. Next time when they ask me about my medications, I am going to refuse to answer, telling them it doesn’t matter what I say since nothing changes.
Nancy
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PurplePumpernickel
June 19, 2018
Sigh … you have just highlighted all my peeves with Doctor-visiting. I learnt many years ago that I have to be my own Health Advocate, but unfortunately, visits to the Doc’s office is just inevitable at times.
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Nancy Loderick
June 23, 2018
Hi Purple Pumpernickel,
Thanks for your comment. You are so right that we all need to be our own advocate. Easier said than done sometimes.
Nancy
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