The Patients | emerald's Blog

Ahhh. The consumers of a medical office. Like any public service, these guys can make you or break you! They do a bit of both here actually. In my 4 yrs. with my little family practice office, I've come to realize there are numerous "kinds" of patients. I'll probably do a blog on each.

Today... The Computer Consultant.

Need I say more? This person Googles their symptoms, and sees the Doctor a week later to tell HIM what their diagnosis is! Now don't get me wrong. The computer is great help to a degree. Especially in going further into research of a diagnosis you may already have. You can get 2 hours of computer info v.s. 15 minutes of Doctor time and info.

But let me tell you a few reasons you should still see a "live" doctor.

1. You only give the symptoms you notice, or perceive. A Doctor may "see" physical symptoms your computer won't! Did you realize your skin was yellow?(jaundice. or liver probs.) Did you realize your eyes were dilated? Did you know your hand shakes when held up for a blood pressure reading?  Your computer definately didn't see it. These could be more clues to the actual problem. A great example is diagnosing Stroke v.s. Bell's Palsy. when you jotted down your symptoms did you tell if you could pucker up and whistle (or try to)? Probably you didn't. However, this is one of the clues in seperating these 2 diagnosies!!

2. The computer is going to give you a list of "possible " diag. One post-menopausal patient decided to come to the doctor cause her computer couldn't decide if she had the Flu, PREGNANT, or 2 other options!! Even I was smart enough to know she wasn't PREGNANT! Ahhhhh! But her computer didn't ask medical HISTORY! Another caution.

3. Let THE DOCTOR DO HIS JOB! You are the Patient-- NOT the Doctor! Granted, you probably know better than even the Doctor on how your body feels, acts, and reacts. But that doesn't make you expert on finding the solution to your problem. AND... even if the Doctor agrees with your computer by chance, let me see your hardware write you a script! (legitimately). Or order tests or bloodwork.

4. Doctors are offended by anyone with the audacity to think hardware can be smarter than them! I realize this is more than likely an ego trip, but it's there none the less.  If you discredit the Doctor bad enough, he may just tell you to find another doctor! Or, let your computer care for your needs!

Yes, puters are handy and helpful, even in your treatment and care! But they can also be abused and hinder one from proper care if not careful!