The Old Folks Home

[chickisoup]

The majority of doctors, like the majority of police officers, are good people doing a good job. Everyone has a "he done me wrong" story about these professions, but just imagine the number of people that go to the doctor (or have contact with a police officer) every day and it it positive or even uneventful. People should try not to focus on the negative, it hurts that person more than anyone else.

Well said, Wisher. I am a walking example of both.
This is also for OZ;

In my younger days, I had an unnecessary surgery (and huge scare) while a young mother of two. When I discovered the mistake I also discovered the "dr" was an idiot but dropped the idea of a malpractice suit when I found out I would (no kidding) be fifth in line! Lots of both good and bad since. However, I did learn from that experience that doctors are not gods, they are human beings. This knowledge saved me many times since. It taught me the importance of being an active and informed participant in the process, not just a passenger. I do my own research, I question, I push until I get an answer (good or bad) and I listen to the answers given. I get second opinions. I've learned in many cases how you are treated (and why) can very often depend upon what insurance you have at the time and your doctors' and/or facility's relationship with that provider.

Fast forward to now. The first oncologist I saw for the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia literally almost killed me in the first few weeks because of his ignorance concerning the drug therapies and their interactions. (He was very soon thereafter forced to quit over a battle with the admin) The second Oncologist that had baled him (and me!) out of his mistake soon became my Oncologist. That was, as of next month, eight years ago. He has since literally saved my life more than once. We are a team. He respects me as an intelligent human being who knows my own body, not just a "patient" and I have total respect for him as a knowledgeable, intelligent professional and his understanding that we are both often in uncharted territory as we navigate thru the rapidly developing new therapies for my form of cancer (and the unexpected complications from the new drugs).

Bottom line, IMHO, is there are great physicians who can still be human beings who make mistakes (for whatever reason) and then there are idiots lacking all common sense but managed to become physicians because they were good test takers. (Had more than one teacher like that). I also firmly believe that if we choose to just be passengers on our healthcare ride and don't educate ourselves (or at least seek out someone else who is) and speak up if we are not comfortable with the direction we are going, we are partially at fault when we arrive at the wrong destination.

 

[tntchix]

Well said, Wisher. I am a walking example of both.
This is also for OZ;

In my younger days, I had an unnecessary surgery (and huge scare) while a young mother of two. When I discovered the mistake I also discovered the "dr" was an idiot but dropped the idea of a malpractice suit when I found out I would (no kidding) be fifth in line! Lots of both good and bad since. However, I did learn from that experience that doctors are not gods, they are human beings. This knowledge saved me many times since. It taught me the importance of being an active and informed participant in the process, not just a passenger. I do my own research, I question, I push until I get an answer (good or bad) and I listen to the answers given. I get second opinions. I've learned in many cases how you are treated (and why) can very often depend upon what insurance you have at the time and your doctors' and/or facility's relationship with that provider.

Fast forward to now. The first oncologist I saw for the Chronic Myeloid Leukemia literally almost killed me in the first few weeks because of his ignorance concerning the drug therapies and their interactions. (He was very soon thereafter forced to quit over a battle with the admin) The second Oncologist that had baled him (and me!) out of his mistake soon became my Oncologist. That was, as of next month, eight years ago. He has since literally saved my life more than once. We are a team. He respects me as an intelligent human being who knows my own body, not just a "patient" and I have total respect for him as a knowledgeable, intelligent professional and his understanding that we are both often in uncharted territory as we navigate thru the rapidly developing new therapies for my form of cancer (and the unexpected complications from the new drugs).

Bottom line, IMHO, is there are great physicians who can still be human beings who make mistakes (for whatever reason) and then there are idiots lacking all common sense but managed to become physicians because they were good test takers. (Had more than one teacher like that). I also firmly believe that if we choose to just be passengers on our healthcare ride and don't educate ourselves (or at least seek out someone else who is) and speak up if we are not comfortable with the direction we are going, we are partially at fault when we arrive at the wrong destination.

a healthy balance is best I have heard nightmare stories like yours and i have heard incredible ones from amazing drs. You have to participate, they aren't infallible. So glad you found a good doc.

 

[tntchix]

Oz, I am not avoiding an answer,

I am trying to locate my files on a defunct pc that is a bit temperamental at the moment. I will PM when I find it.

 

[vehve]

I think most doctors try to take a more clinical and cold approach, especially oncologists. It would take a terrible toll on a person to befriend all of their patients when many of them can't look forward to beating their illness.

Around here it's interesting how people view medical procedures that have gone wrong. I know a lot of people who have had complications during procedures, and almost none who have had incompetent doctors. Even though many complications may very well be caused by something the doctor did wrong. But people just don't see it that way here.

 

[chickisoup]

I think most doctors try to take a more clinical and cold approach, especially oncologists. It would take a terrible toll on a person to befriend all of their patients when many of them can't look forward to beating their illness.

Around here it's interesting how people view medical procedures that have gone wrong. I know a lot of people who have had complications during procedures, and almost none who have had incompetent doctors. Even though many complications may very well be caused by something the doctor did wrong. But people just don't see it that way here.

I believe our healthcare costs wouldn't be going sky high if more folks here had that attitude. We used to. The country has become sue crazy. Nick somebody while treating their ingrown toenail and the doctor could find himself in a court full of lawyers. Some of our best and brightest have stopped practicing and went into research, etc. because they could no longer afford the premiums of their liability insurance because of patients looking for some easy cash or just some poor fool being egged on by a greedy lawyer. This is leaving more and clinics and ERs staffed by those who don't have the smarts to go elsewhere. It's just sad and a no win situation for the great doctors out there still trying their best to perform their craft according to the Hippocratic Oath.

I was so very blessed when I found my Onc. I am active in being a support for others just diagnosed or struggling with the chemo therapies we are on and some of the horror stories I run into either put into tears or out in my back forty kicking trees to ease the anger.

 

[LindaB220]

Really good time to jump in. I had the knee replacement surgery done on the 10th. I can't tell you what good journey I've been on. Great Dr, great hospital, (one of the top 100 in the nation. And best of all, the rehab center. Immediately, I was home. I'll be coming here later when it's necessary.

 

[chickisoup]

Really good time to jump in. I had the knee replacement surgery done on the 10th. I can't tell you what good journey I've been on. Great Dr, great hospital, (one of the top 100 in the nation. And best of all, the rehab center. Immediately, I was home. I'll be coming here later when it's necessary.

 

[ozexpat]

av nationwide malpractice premiums

• Obstetrics/gynecology: $43,400
• Surgery: $30,000
• Plastic surgery: $27,700
• Urology: $23,500
• Gastroenterology: $20,000
• Cardiology: $19,400
• Neurology/neurosurgery: $17,500
• Emergency/acute care: $15,000
• Hospitalists: $15,000
• Ophthalmology: $12,300
• Dermatology: $10,300
• Pediatrics: $10,300
• Psychiatry: $4,700

eta - OB-GYN premiums varied from a low of $13,400 in the lowest-cost areas of California to a high of $204,864 in the counties of Nassau and Suffolk in New York.

 

[vehve]

Oz, annually?

 

[perchie.girl]

Oz, annually?

that would be annually...

I remember when the country became Sue happy... Our family doctor used to do everything... delivering babies, tonsillectomy, Set bones... Along with all the other usual stuff like stitches and general health exams... He dropped all surgery when Malpractice insurance went out the roof.

I went on Medi Cal when I had my son... because I needed a Cezarian... I had a Wonderful ObGyn... one of three that would accept Medical. He took very good care of me... The hospital not so much. they sent me home in 24 hours with a strip of tape over the incision and instructions to hold a pillow over my tummy when I needed to get up and about. (I hear that in the years since they have changed that policy Yay for the rest of the moms on Medical)

The only Pediatrician that would take Medical we had issues .... very long story. Last I heard he had gone into some sort of small practice as an administrator... good place for him.

When I say only pediatrician.... I mean only one local to me there were several scattered about San Diego but San Diego is a big place.

deb