nickie on 19/5/2008 at 19:21
I never complain about the NHS - I think the NHS is wonderful and I've never had anything other than wonderful treatment. Sure there have been some dickheads and arrogant shits but that never affected the actual treatment.
Tell you what though SE, it's a long time since I've been to an Emergency Department on a Friday night. A guy who works with us collapsed last weekend. We took him because he got a wacking great bang to his head. 5 hours later I really didn't know how you guys put up with it. Saints indeed. 99% of people there were there because they were drunk and puking up continuously the whole 5 hours.
But back on topic slightly. I can't for the life of me now remember who it was I was studying who talked about 'knowledge is power' (Bacon) relating specifically to the medical profession, Foucault maybe, and how it manifested itself in the doctor/patient relationship, i.e. the doctor has all the knowledge and therefore all the power over you (one), the patient which puts you in an inferior position. Or something like that. I've been trying to find a link because I found it really relevant at the time I read it, but can't find anything specific. If anyone remembers, please remind me as it's driving me crazy trying to remember now.
SubJeff on 19/5/2008 at 20:00
Well for years there was always this paternalistic model of medical care, with the docs essentially telling people how it was going to be. That model no longer exists and is really frowned upon - it's much more about patient choice and information now. They used to talk about compliance to treatment; even that word is frowned upon now - it's concordance with an agreed two-way treatment plan that everyone (should!) work to now. It's far better for patient care if patients are a. in the loop and b. actually involved in management instead of just being given a phosphate enema because doc says so.
Though we still do that of course! :cheeky:
A&E - tell me about it! I've done shifts were at least 50% of people were there due to a. drunk! or b. drunk and fell bashed head/face/ankle. There is no way I could work in A&E as a career choice, but you have to face the haze at some point. A&E can be great.
nickie on 19/5/2008 at 20:07
Quote Posted by Subjective Effect
. . .just being given a phosphate enema because doc says so.
Though we still do that of course! :cheeky:
Sadist!! :laff:
50% maybe but pretty much everyone? That's new to me. I just found it quite appalling.
TBE on 21/5/2008 at 03:26
My current "doctor" I visit now is only because of my insurance. I've never actually met the man, but his Physician's Assistant that normally sees me is great.
I once called into the office to ask for a refill from a different doctor that was expired. Asked if I should come in for a visit or consultation. They said, call back in a couple days. Well, my pharmacy called 1 day later and told me my refill was complete. :confused: I didn't call in the refill, the doctor's office did. The doctor gave me a new year long prescription of Imitrex with unlimited refills. (But my insurance only pays for 1 refill every 30 days)
I'd have to agree with people that say if you don't like your doctor, find another one on your insurance plan. I didn't have insurance once, and I visited the county board of health. They let you pay what you could afford, which I think was about $10 for a visit and prescription.
Shug on 22/5/2008 at 16:03
I was expecting something more along the lines of a ball-handling ordeal given the nature of the title
crunchy on 23/5/2008 at 00:37
Quote Posted by Shug
I was expecting something more along the lines of a ball-handling ordeal given the nature of the title
The old turn your head and cough. Cheaper than a hooker! :eek:
demagogue on 23/5/2008 at 02:49
If it really adds to the story, having a very sensitive big toe handled by a stranger is a little like having your balls handled ... sort of ... I guess ...
...
no, not really ... I got nothing.
SubJeff on 23/5/2008 at 07:34
Well is it getting better?
Shug on 23/5/2008 at 13:17
Quote Posted by demagogue
no, not really ... I got nothing.
Maybe you had to pay more than $100
242 on 23/5/2008 at 14:40
Quote Posted by demagogue
One thing I wonder, too, is if countries with more socialized health systems are better about this sort of thing. Are doctors in less of a rush, and is there less of a nagging feeling that you want to second-guess everything they say ... because you aren't paying so much for it? Or is it similar?
Hmm, here in Ukraine we have free national medicine services for those who can't or don't want to pay. Usually the state clinics are worse equipped than private ones, there are queues, and doctors often are in a rush and inattentive. Every district in a city has a state policlinic that caters locals for free, but you may visit other district's state policlinic or hospital and ask for small consultation, they often agree, for free, if you feel that you are not satisfied with diagnosis. And actually, I didn't notice that doctors working in state clinics were worse than in private ones, they are just more in a hurry often and less polite, but it's ok for me. I only visit private clinic when I need dental services.
To answer more precisely: yeah, behaviour of your doc seems pretty similar to behaviour of many docs from our state policlinics ;)
