Having a good relationship with your health care provider is essential. However, what does a “good relationship” really mean? You know it when you see it and you know it when you don’t.
My friend Carol has been sick for the last few weeks. She has a history of breast cancer and has had recent episodes of stomach pain and diarrhea resulting in a 10lb weight loss over a short period of time. Of course everyone was worried about the cancer coming back in another part of her body, but the initial tests were negative. Whew. We met for coffee this morning and she told me a story about her physician.
Good relationship
Carol has been a patient of this physician for the past several years and has built a good relationship with her, especially throughout her ordeal with breast cancer. Last week she had an appointment to discuss her test results and was feeling really sick. When her physician entered the examination room, Carol was lying on her side with her legs pulled up close to her body – she was in pain. They discussed the test results (negative CT Scan, blood work okay). Her physician suggested other tests, they had a brief discussion and Carol left with a few prescriptions and went to work. About an hour after she got there, Carol received a call from her physician. Her physician said that she was concerned about her and just couldn’t stop thinking about her. Usually Carol is bubbly and energetic but that day she was quiet and their communication was a bit disjointed. Carol’s physician asked if she wanted to come back to the office and talk further about her issues.
Wow. Now that’s a good relationship. Her physician actually took the time to call her at work to share her concerns and to make sure she was okay. Carol felt valued as a patient and as a human being.
I’m glad to say that Carol is feeling a little better although they are still not sure what is causing her discomfort. However, having the peace of mind that her physician is by her side is already helping her to feel better.
Bad relationship
It was during our coffee conversation today that Carol shared another story with me – this time with different results.
Carol works for a medical supply/pharmacy and spends time talking with patients. She loves her job as she gets to build relationships with the customers that come into the store. One customer shared an experience she had with her physician.
Helen has been going to the same physician group for the last 30 years. Although she used to get the same physician, once he retired she tends to get a different physician each time. She is used to waiting for hours in the waiting room and prepares herself with reading materials to keep her occupied. One day she waited 2 hours in the waiting room before getting called back into the examination room. While waiting, she read a novel. Although she has waited in the exam room for a long time, when she finished her book, she realized that she had been waiting an additional 2 hours. Just when she got up off the table, the lights went out and she heard a door shut. She quickly got dressed and ran out of the empty office catching the office staff just as they were getting on the elevator. “I think you forgot about me” Helen said. You would have thought the staff would have been mortified that they forgot her but just told her, “Sorry. You’ll have to reschedule.” Wow. Now that’s a BAD relationship!
Think about how you’re treated at your physician’s office. Do you feel respected as an individual or do you feel herded through like cattle. You deserve to be cared for by competent, compassionate physicians and nurses. If you’re not, now might be a good time to speak up or shop around.
Thanks and take care
R. Thompson, MSN, RN
No comments:
Post a Comment