(Snippets from the frontline)
Patient have patience
Physicians see patients in the office, hospital, and sometimes on housecalls.
Doctors attempt to stay on schedule, but many factors slow us down: Those who are seriously ill; phone calls; paperwork; being an advocate obtaining medication, home health, and social services; reassuring and educating patients caring for and preventing their illness.
As physician detectives, asking questions helps determine the extent of one’s problem, but can also be a measure of the quality of your visit. Because of experience and knowing our patients, we can quickly narrow down a diagnosis. But sometimes it takes extensive questioning and time to gather facts necessary to bring clarity to a patient’s symptoms, make a diagnosis, then create a treatment plan.
A general rule: If your physician does not ask 20 questions, you did not have a doctor visit.
In our waiting room we have a television, magazines, and medical information in case you get bored. We always try to stay on schedule and respect your time.
But if we are late, have patience, knowing one day the care being rendered might be for you or your loved one.
Gene Uzawa Dorio, M.D.
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