Quote:
Originally Posted by Alumiyum
My point is spending a little more time to figure it out in the first place would decrease repeated visits and a lot of irritation on both ends. I realize a few people are going to come through with true mystery illnesses, but surely those are minority cases. Specialists that I have been referred to have been no more helpful than the two doctors I've been to before. Not taking no for an answer is easier said than done when doctors simply don't want to take the time to find the problem. I'll eventually find the right doctor but in the meantime it's frustrating to spend copious amounts of time and money shopping around, especially since I know it would be easier for a doctor that has already seen me to get a read on the problem than a new one who has to review my file and start from scratch. (For the record the only helpful hint I've gotten is actually from a family friend who is a doctor and suggested an autoimmune disease, and as the only disease in that category that can be ruled out in my case is HIV my next step is to present this theory to my doctor...we'll see how it goes this time.)
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The problem with this is that physicians are not paid to spend time with patients. Primary care physicians have been slowly cut down over the years to such minimal reimbursements so that they have to see patients every ten minutes. In order to see enough patients to pay their rent, office staff and make a reasonable salary, they have to see patients that frequently. Thank the medicare cuts. It's frustrating for physicians, as well, even though you think it's not. Doctors really do want to spend more time with their patients. That's why some doctors have started concierge services where they limit their patient load and charge a set fee for all you want medical service. It's expensive, but you get impeccable care.