Re: Awaiting the results
From: anonymous@obgyn.net
Wed, 18 Jun 1997 10:02:54 -0400 (EDT)
In a message dated 97-06-18 08:14:49 EDT, you write:
> At Tue, 17 Jun 1997, anonymous@obgyn.net wrote:
>
> >I went for the ultrasound today. I asked the nurse who was taking it, to
> >PLEASE show me anything that she sees. In the process of her doing it i
say
> >her taking pictures of something. When i asked what she was taking
pictures
> >of, i got told " I cant tell you"! Needles to say i got very upset.
>
> Carrie-
>
> It sure sounds like there is a communication breakdown somewhere, but in
> defense of the ultrasound tech (who is not a nurse) and the radiologist,
> I would usually be very unhappy to have either of them making editorial
> comments to my patients about their ultrasounds. The tech is a trained
> professional, but is not a doctor or nurse, and as such would not be
> comfortable making complex medical evaluations. Radiologists are
> usually extremely bright (in fact, most were near the top of their med
> school class) but they do not have the benefit of the entire clinical
> picture, nor have they done the all important pelvic exam. So, their
> remarks would be pure speculation. The only person really qualified to
> evaluate the "big picture" is the doctor, midwife, or nurse practitioner
> who has examined you and knows your history the best.
>
> It sounds like your doctor needs to "tune up" his office staff with
> regards to considerate communication (and you can help him or her do
> this by making your feelings known, by letter, with a carbon copy to the
> office manager). However, your doctor has numerous patients, many of
> whom had equally important tests ordered that day. It would simply be
> impossible to field the hundreds (literally) of phone calls from
> patients who called the same day as their ultrasound (or blood work, or
> Pap smear, or mammogram) to find out the results and speak to the
> doctor. It just can't be done, nor is it in the best interests of you
> or other patients. Please give him or her a few days to get the report
> from the radiologist, find your chart, review the test results in the
> context of your history and exam, and call you with the results. As
> much as you want the results, there are very, very few test results in
> medicine that cannot wait a few days :)
>
> Please consider voicing your concerns about discourteous staff to the
> doctor and office manager. It may be just the documentation they are
> looking for to "educate" that staff member!
>
> Take care, and best of luck with your situation.
>
> Ashley
>
> --
> Ashley Hill
> D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
> Assistant Director, Department of Ob/Gyn
> Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Hi,
I would like to thank you and the co- moderatier of this group. I was really
upset yesterday. I can understand the reasoning behind both the tech and the
rad not to tell what they see. I have been very scared latly as a result of
the preg tests coming out neg. The only time i have ever missed a period was
when i was pregnant. Yes I have been late, but only by a day or two. never
this long and get those type of results. I will make it known to my Dr. about
the secratary and what she had said. My Dr works out of three different
offices, so i will have to make it perfectly clear which office this was.
I will let you all know the results when they come in. Thank you for your
support. Its nice to have someone to turn to in a time of need.
Carrie
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