Patients Beware!!

IF IT DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT, IT LIKELY ISN'T RIGHT.

Written by Estine Wells

We, as patients and advocates, must become involved in bringing back the "Physician In Charge" how to make complex differential diagnoses. It is the nuances in their training and other factors like having the most extensive clinical exposure and experience that set them apart, making them comprehensively better trained. NP training is more algorithmic which does not take into consideration the more esoteric healthcare issues and individual differences inherent in patients. It amazes me that specialists must complete medical school, then residency, followed by fellowships. Yet, many hospitals place NPs within a particular department only to transfer them to another department. How do the NPs get the training and knowledge to go from, perhaps, cardiology to orthopedics, or surgery without getting a substantial amount of additional instruction?

A cavalier attitude offends me the most. I have personally witnessed mistakes, bullying and coercive behavior. Your bill of rights states clearly that you should never feel uncomfortable. If it doesn’t feel right, it likely isn’t right.

Incumbent upon you or your advocate is to listen, question, take copious notes, and keep all records together so your history is well documented and easily accessible to all physicians involved in your care. When making an appointment to see a physician, you are entitled to see the physician of your choice. Many times you are scheduled with a nurse practitioner (NP) or physician assistant (PA), and you are not aware until your appointment. Confirm who you will be seeing prior to your scheduled appointment, and confirm again when you check in who you are seeing. A frequent tactic is to tell you that the physician has no available appointments in the near future, but you can schedule with the NP. I understand that NPs and PAs play an integral role in today’s healthcare landscape. It is the lack of transparency that is most disheartening.

In my experience, most physicians and registered nurses (RNs) display their IDs without having to ask. However, sometimes badges of other health professionals are not as prominently displayed or may be confusing. Always, respectfully, request to know the credentials and specific degrees when meeting a new healthcare professional. The training is not equal. Nothing can replace medical or osteopathic school. Physicians learn

Having worked in healthcare most of my life, I respect, admire, and appreciate all it takes to become a board-certified physician. Sacrificing so much for the benefit of others, including ongoing financial obligations, should be applauded and rewarded. However, physicians are being marginalized and viewed as commodities in the business world. We, as patients and advocates, must become involved in bringing back the “Physician in Charge.” That I will save for a future article.

Be Well!!