I’m not embarrassed to admit doctors and everyone else connected are not my favorite people—they don’t “think” they know best, ask them they’ll tell you, “We do know best.”
As easy as it would be to jump up and wipe the dirt off these aging pants my delusions are fed by rivers flooded by a message delivered by a Native American medicine man who once said, “Doctors practice medicine like a young child practices playing basketball and baseball.”
Kind of like my radio career…I’m not Glen Beck or Ryan Seacrest but dang if I won’t practice everyday to try and make it to the major leagues of broadcasting.
We have every reason to love those who pretty much save our lives—but those good feelings become extremely cloudy because like a marriage, one of the leading causes of divorce is money, so why should a doctor be any different? My most recent visit to the heart specialist involved the doctor walking into the cold drafty room; he put his feet up on the desk, read well typed out notes dictated over the past four months, listened to four different areas on my back and boldly said, “Thanks for coming in!” The final cost coming in at nearly $1,000. Attach that to a new box of meds that don’t give you a buzz and life becomes too painfully real.
All the more reason to hate my parents!
Why didn’t you push me into medical school? You could be living in a far better house with a kitchen the size of Wal-Mart!
So, what are we going to do about this? With N1H1, the common cold, the threat of strep or a typical manly fall off the ladder you can’t suddenly stop going to the doctor. The everyday average American needs what NBA, NFL and Professional Bowlers have…a manager! We need representation! Someone to think and speak for us! Someone who’ll step forward and negotiate a deal that’s profitable to both parties.
Not gonna happen.
At lease we have Dr. Bernard Lown, the author of The Lost Art of Healing…a forty year pro who wastes no time to admit, “If the glove doesn’t fit…you must acquit.” Basically meaning if you’re neck deep in dog and cat fights at the doctor’s office…find the door!
According to Dr. Lown having a great relationship with your doctor lowers anxiety levels making you less sick. When he or she showcases true care and concern it physically improves your likelihood of becoming cured.
The sad part about modern day medicine is…we can’t test drive a doctor. We’re forced to rely on referrals. Dr. Lown says, “Don’t let that stop you from examining a doctor. They need to know their tires are being kicked.”
I recently did this with my dentist of nearly twenty years…his practice closed at 3pm. It didn’t fit my life and style…calmly asking him to please remain open longer for those who couldn’t run from work so easily and his secretary said, “We have a life too you know.”
I felt sorry for the dentists I began interviewing…there’s a lot of egos in this small place on the map we live. In the end the winner was decided upon because I honestly felt true customer care.
Insurance or not, anyone in the medical business needs to be interviewed and treated like the employees they are. There are seven signs Dr. Lown claims you must constantly be aware of:
Your first ever meeting with a doctor should never be in an exam room. Do not disrobe until you’ve broken bread. Have a face to face in his or her office before making your way into an area where your best kept secrets now rest in the palm of their hands.
Reach your hand out and shake the doctor’s hand—it is a significant sign of respect. Right off the bat, decide if he or she is going to call you by your first name or last. It’s about making you feel comfortable.
The doctor being on time is absolutely an important feature. If consistent lateness is their pattern of practice, their ego is taking away from the only 24 hours you’re going to get today. Remember, they work for you and like a great boss you need to treat them as such.
Make sure you doctor isn’t interrupted by phone calls or emails on computer systems usually turned from your viewing. A great doctor forbids interruptions.
Tap into your doctor’s optimism. If being positive is a chore, hit the door. I’ll never forget being on the operating table having heart surgery and my doctor and I were impersonating the voices we hear on car commercials. The entire staff carries that love life attitude and has kept my moving forward every step of the way.
Please make sure you doctor documents everything. History isn’t something you event. There must be a pen and paper in their hand and or recording device or once you’re gone it could be made up. A great doctor doesn’t stop questioning the moment you hit health issues, they cover family, friends and most importantly your job. One doctor said to me, “Your blood pressure is up…are people driving you crazy at work? Want a pill?” What? A simple pill will take them away…I love this country!
Do you feel cared for? Not was your co-pay worth the visit…did you physically and mentally feel cared for?
If you wanna read an incredible earth shattering future shock of a book that’ll wake your tooty up…pick up the latest from Jane Brody: Guide to the Great Beyond…within seconds you’ll be forming tea parties petitioning the White House for better treatment.
You can’t stop yourself from getting sick, injured or needing an extra hand getting through some tough times…that’s why doctors were invented, do yourself and your family a favor…put a little effort into locating someone whose in the business for the right reason and its not to build a stairway made of gold to heaven. Wait, wait…gold is too cheap…a platinum staircase.
Now lets talk about your pets doctor...
arroecollins@clearchannel.com
No comments:
Post a Comment