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Re: ER Question DOCS SHOULDN'T REPLYFrom: Susan (anonymous@obgyn.net)Sun, 18 May 1997 20:10:30 -0500 (CDT)
At Wed, 14 May 1997, Luanne wrote: > >I was saddened to read this reply to my message. For two years I have >been haunted by the feeling that I didn't matter enough. I've also >wondered how much of this ER situation resulted from the current state >of managed/care medicine in this country. And, I was hoping that a doc >could confirm that I got a bad deal or comment on how this was a result >of the changes in medicine. > >I left that OB group for a perinatal group that was more interested in >my case--and *three* of those docs were present for the delivery of my >IUFD son. > >Since then, I've moved cross-country (and had two more miscarriages). Of >course I've mentioned the ER situation to other docs, particularly those >I know socially, but they have been from other specialties. I've gotten >bland comments like, "Gee that sounds unusual." > >Gosh, why can't a doc be allowed to say "That was bad care and I hope my >partner never treats a patient that way"? > >Luanne Dear Luanne, I share your frustration with the state of our medical system in this country today, and I think many Docs do, also. Just as we may be shortchanged on treatments or shuffled by our own doctors due to the issue of insurance coverage, so are the doctors limited in the treatment options they can offer their patients due to these same restrictions. They, too, have businesses to run and families to feed and cannot work for free. As with any important social or political issue, things don't change until enough of us stand up and day "I am not willing to settle for this any longer. I demand more and better care." This, sadly, involves legal action, political lobbying, and a lot of dedicated people with a lot of $$$ backing to bring about change. Such is the beast of our society. Most people, such as (perhaps) you and I, are unwilling to climb that seeming unsurmountable mountain of red tape because we lose EVEN MORE quality of life in the process, and consider the cost too high. I have chosen to fight my battles on a much smaller scale, by not letting myself be victimized by the HMO nightmare and physicians who feel their hands (and wallets)are tied. My best advice is be a smart medical consumer. While there isn't much one can learn about a doctor's past performance "on the record," one can certainly talk it up among private citizens and ask patients who may be willing to share experiences, good and bad. Research potential doctors the best you can. Use your first visit or two to "interview" them, seeking answers to questions and evaluating their responses against your needs as a patient and the research about your condition that you have done. Go with your gut, and find the one who is right for you. Never be afraid to refuse or delay treatment if you have not had a chance to get your questions answered or make a decision. Ask them up front, "If I have an emergency and you are called, will you come?" I hope you can find peace with your loss, and wish you luck in your endeavor to have children. Godspeed,
-- Susan Boyles
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