Irukandji
Cool post JTB. I’ve been lucky to have a non-complex med history combined with a general practice MD in the neighborhood who’s known me for nearly a decade. I’ve learned that, when I DO need to see a doctor, it’s worth waiting to see MY doctor than to just see any doctor available within the same office. Why? Solid history of good communication and trust.
When I wreck my neck in dance class (or sleeping) and tell any-doc how badly I hurt, I get swabbed for strep. When I tell my own MD, he knows my regular tolerance, assesses the overall physical function to determine if PT or meds are appropriate, gives me the optimal recovery timeline with specific instructions on what to do if the prescribed course doesn’t work.
I don’t want to be in the doctor’s office any more than he needs me taking up space, so having a good rapport, a personality match, even, makes a difference. I don’t WANT to come for follow-up, I want to move along.
As I age and more things go wonky more often, I’ll be glad to have found THIS physician, and hope that if he retires before I move or die, I’ll be able to rely on him for referral to another good match.
Your initial post also brought back to me a study from a decade ago regarding physician communication and lawsuits. The WSJ article is worth a read.