tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post7768647644871609395..comments2024-03-22T17:05:55.267-04:00Comments on MD Whistleblower: Medical Ethics –vs- Medical Politics: What Patients Should KnowMichael Kirsch, M.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/07555280388086931097noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-16273449138238769252009-10-15T00:48:27.834-04:002009-10-15T00:48:27.834-04:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-61595485494169660812009-08-16T11:20:55.813-04:002009-08-16T11:20:55.813-04:00Thank you, I appreciate that. I have a family phys...Thank you, I appreciate that. I have a family physician who I think is committed to his patients. So far there's been one referral to a specialist, who is quite thorough. Hopefully I can get some clear answers, which hopefully will help inform other patients' and doctors' experiences. <br /><br />Alertness certainly is good -- it's one of the pillars of preventive medicine -- but when a doctor doesn't really take in what an alert patient is saying, often for lack of a precedent in his/her body of knowledge but sometimes for sheer lack of interest, the patient is left in limbo.<br /><br />I've had several referrals that started from square one with my profile. Fine to keep it simple, but unfortunately there just ain't anything simple about DES.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-88623472311115303372009-08-16T11:05:44.732-04:002009-08-16T11:05:44.732-04:00I am familiar with your conundrum. The key to solv...I am familiar with your conundrum. The key to solving such a dilemma is to have a primary care physician you trust who can serve as your vigorous advocate. This is one of your best protections against uncoordinated and unnecessary care. As you suggest, patients themselves have to advocate for themselves. Ask questions and be a little skeptical. Physicians advise as best we can, but patients should be making the decisions that affect them directly.Michael Kirsch, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07555280388086931097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-57420017326219754032009-08-16T10:37:53.261-04:002009-08-16T10:37:53.261-04:00This discussion is very valuable. I am a DES daugh...This discussion is very valuable. I am a DES daughter who lives in fear of being shut out by physicians who refer me to each other as an empty gesture when neither wants to give my case more than a superficial look, because I have unusual DES effects that they've never seen. Great! What I have told doctors about this or that not being right eventually has been validated despite prolonged skepticism; unfortunately the validation usually comes under the knife or a scope because my issues don't show up on blood tests, and they're hard to define with imaging.<br /><br />I'm not an effing idiot. Nor did I bring this situation on myself. Any suggestions as to how I, and other patients in unusual circumstances, can get past these pretend referrals and go right to effective, interested, committed care?<br /><br />Thanks.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-80075485181359854332009-08-14T10:24:07.041-04:002009-08-14T10:24:07.041-04:00The real problem here is the monopoly the doctors ...The real problem here is the monopoly the doctors use to keep their incomes high, by restricting the number of medical schools. See here for more shocking evidence. <br /><br />http://wallstreetpit.com/5769-the-medical-cartel-why-are-md-salaries-so-high<br /><br />Its time to take on the USA's most powerful union!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-55630119880147727242009-08-13T13:50:25.310-04:002009-08-13T13:50:25.310-04:00Splendid entry this week. Have you considered publ...Splendid entry this week. Have you considered publishing your articles in a book? It should sell well.<br /><br />Your advise though is not practical. Suppose that a patient asks a doctor why he is referring him to a specialist X, or giving a choice between X, Y, and Z. Even if the doctor is making the referal for other than purely medical reasons, would not he be able to hide that? Would not the doctor feel that the patient is suspecting unfair play? Would not that undermine the trust required in the relationship? I do not feel comfortable asking such questions because it puts both me and the doctor in an awkard position and I will not get the information I'm looking for anyway. Yes, it would be nice to get a truthful answer, just as it would be nice to cut healthcare expenses by half and eliminate tort abuse.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-12999214376027939452009-08-12T09:46:03.851-04:002009-08-12T09:46:03.851-04:00Appreciate you comments. Think of all the free di...Appreciate you comments. Think of all the free dinners we're missing!Michael Kirsch, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07555280388086931097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7323692122514281455.post-82713168915038039302009-08-11T21:38:29.921-04:002009-08-11T21:38:29.921-04:00Michael -
Interesting. Much seems accurate. I hav...Michael -<br />Interesting. Much seems accurate. I have been blessed in that I have been busy enough not to care if a specialist to whom I make a referral will refer back. Funny thing then happens: If I make the right referral and the referred patient gets excellent care, THE PATIENT often makes a subsequent referral - or several - to me. Is it a way of saying thanks? Or are they primarily interested in securing the same quality of care for friends and family?<br /><br />I have been cut out of relationships because I myself do not always refer back. And one time I all-but-ceased referring to an excellent specialist after having referred dozens to him: He never referred back and never communicated about the patients I sent him. But I still will send someone his way if I think what he offers will make a substantial difference in patient outcome.<br /><br />I used to participate in social functions, witnessed the favor culling, never got any referrals out of it myself, and stopped going years ago. Haven't missed them.Dave McNeil, M.D.http://doc2dochealthcarereform.comnoreply@blogger.com