I work at a small doctor's office. This morning a patient who had pain in the chest "THINKS" he had stomach problem, but his ECG revealed maybe he has proximal ventricular fibrillation. The doctor refered him to a cardiologist, explained what could be happening to him, but the patient looks like he's not listening what doctor is saying at all. I'm convinced he'll not be bothered to see the cardiologist at all. Is there anything wise that I can do, to help him?
2006-12-27 07:38:03 · 4 answers · asked by The Catalyst 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
You do not define your role in the MD office. I am guessing that because you were present for the patient education and were able to note that the patient did not appear to be listening , that you are not the receptionist. Are you the nurse?
Regardless, it is permissible to enforce the MD's rec's by offering to help them make the appointment and and by repeating the MD's advice. You should not elaborate on the advice since you are not a physician.
Are there other reasons that the patient may not make this appointment? Like being worried that they cannot pay the copay for a specialist , etc. It may be helpful to the patient to try to work out if there are other reasons for their reluctance to seek a specialist. Like fear, apprehension and reluctance to get more meds ( alot of patients equate seeing doctors with getting more meds).....
In the end , the patient has made an educated decision provided there is documentation that appropriate education was provided. It is all part of informed consent.
VFib, hmmmm? Rather serious.
2006-12-27 08:59:53 · answer #1 · answered by izzardfemme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are the doctor it is very bad to give any medical advice uless the patient asks, and even then it's iffy... You could end up losing your job or getting sued so Don't! What you can do is give the patient business cards for other specialists on his/her way out. Either way, don't stress over this, Ventricular fibrillation will most likely force the patient to seek help when he/she feels they need it.
2006-12-27 15:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would just advise the patient of the adverse effects if he does not want to follow doctors orders. I would then chart that in his file as well.
2006-12-27 15:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by tnbadbunny 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope...it's the patients choice....dont worry about it...he might think twice and go see a cardiologist......
2006-12-27 15:41:11 · answer #4 · answered by The Emperor of Ecstasy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋