When you don't listen to them like they're gods. I'm in excellent health, LDL is 1 point above the "norm", but overall is fine. Blood glucose was also 1 point above "norm". When I refused to have blood work done every 3 months to check it, I was told if I didn't do what the doctor said, he may decide he doesn't want me as a patient. My mother had a similar issue...except the doctor told her that directly. My mother switched doctors. I told them to let me know when it becomes an issue for him, and I'll collect my records and change doctors. No word yet.
When did this start happening? As far as I know I still get to decide what I will and won't do, medically. Any opinions?
2006-09-01 16:10:33 · 8 answers · asked by Kaia 7 in Health ➔ Other - Health
Additional info. I also said "no" to a colonoscopy because the only reason I was told I needed one was because I turned 50. So, apparently when I turn 51 it's not an issue?
2006-09-01 16:19:27 · update #1
I put quotes around "norm" because normal is not the same for all people. For some people "norm" is high...for others it's low...others it's right on. "norm" is usually either the average, or some line in the sand.
Actually, I adore my doctor. He's a great person and I have tremendous respect for him. This is coming from his new nurse practioner, and new office staff.
2006-09-02 00:56:16 · update #2
It's definitely your body, and you get to decide what you want to do with it.
A doctor is there to make suggestions regarding your health and well-being, based upon at least 7 years of training in his/her field. It is important to the health of the patient that the doctor-patient relationship is a good one.
If the patient continually questions the doctor, or decides not to follow the doctor's recommendations, said doctor may decide to terminate the relationship. There's no point in continuing to see a patient who a)doesn't trust you, b)is non-compliant with therapy, c)behaves inappropriately despite warnings.
I'm NOT saying that's what you're doing. Actually, based upon what you're describing, I would probably decline blood work every 3 months as well. However, given the "listen to them like they're gods" comment, the quotations around the word "norm" (which implies to me you don't really value that test result), and the fact that your mother had to switch physicians - I would wonder if there is something else going on, perhaps another reason why the doctor would wish to terminate the relationship.
Regardless, it doesn't sound like you have much faith in your doctor, and that doesn't make for a very therapeutic environment.
---Just to respond to your additional comments - I'm glad you like your doctor. I, personally, think it is frustrating to go to a doctor, and then to be shunted off to a nurse practioner (I'm not sure if that's what's happening to you). Especially, if you pay the same amount for either visit.
Anyways, just as an FYI - it is national guidelines and accepted practice for physicians to recommend a screening colonoscopy to look for colon cancer in all people 50 or over. This is based upon numerous research studies that helped to determine the ideal age to start looking for cancer in people - ie. at what age expending the money to look for cancer via a colonoscopy became worth it in terms of lives saved. My aunt's doctor didn't recommend a colonoscopy at age 50 - or any other age for that matter. Of course, at age 57 she presented to an ER complaining of abdominal pain - turned out to be colon cancer. If her doctor had been doing his job ( and she had been paying attention), and she had gotten screened, she might not have needed emergency surgery, with a colonoscopy and chemotherapy. Point is - I strongly urge you to get screened - it really could mean your life.
2006-09-01 16:23:22 · answer #1 · answered by Wondering 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They -can- do it, but it is highly professionally inappropriate to do so, and could get them very much in a lawsuit pickle if you become ill as a result of them carelessly dropping you as a patient. Report the doctor to the hospital they are affiliated with, and to the state medical boards. Even if nothing comes of it, extra strikes on their record last forever when it comes to evaluating the severity of future patient's claims against him. Unlike what the "nurse" in the other post said, the AMA does -not- take reports on doctors and cannot act on claims of misconduct by their patients.
2016-03-17 06:20:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You still get to decide what you "will and won't do", but the doctor gets to decide if he or she wants to see you as a patient. Doctors don't advise patients to get tests just for fun; there are reasons behind the tests.
The "normal" level for LDL might not be low enough. It is possible that everyone should aim for 70, not 100.
Any adult who is at least 50 years old needs a colonoscopy, not just when you turn 50.
Every doctor has the right to stop seeing any patient.
2006-09-01 16:16:05 · answer #3 · answered by mollyneville 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The doctor has the right to drop non-compliant patients. That slows down the number who the doctor treats.
2006-09-01 17:16:57 · answer #4 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you collect your records and find another doctor now. I've never heard of that but I can tell you if any doctor ever said that to me, I would have a few choice words to throw back.
How dare these over paid drug company whores! All they think about is that they are gods in their own minds and money.
BTW; the one thing I became aware of in the last few years was this computer record and file situation in my county. All of them are hooked up to the same computer system, so is the hospital. They can and do write all these things about you that you won't see, unless someone makes a mistake, as they did with me once. I found this idiot doctor I saw once made some remark about my personality (I have a "bubbly" one) and she made it sound like that was something almost negative. She wasn't a shrink, she was OBGYN!! I was so mad, I called the office and let them know what I thought.
2006-09-01 16:18:54 · answer #5 · answered by MadforMAC 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i would chang doctors because you have a right to decline tests and i do beleive the doctor can't refuse you treatment he would just have to put it in you chart that you didn't want the test
2006-09-01 16:16:15 · answer #6 · answered by anie467 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
They're covering their butt, so to speak. If they don't tell you to have the blood work, you could sue them later. It's just a ploy to get your money, they probably won't drop you.
2006-09-01 16:17:40 · answer #7 · answered by honneebee68 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
What a jerk, go to another Dr who is willing to listen to your input. He doesn't sound reasonable at all....his way or no way. What would happen if you were in a critical situation? Dump the jerk!!
2006-09-01 16:19:46 · answer #8 · answered by Janet lw 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey, if you want to die from colon cancer, just keep saying "no".
2006-09-01 16:30:10 · answer #9 · answered by wmichgrad 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋