Picking Doctors

[Jerry Finch <jfinch@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

There has been a lot of discussion about various doctors making a
wrong diagnosis. True, some of it is to be blamed on the HMO/PPO methods,
but this problem has plagued us since doctors operated out of barber
shops. Those of us who are limited to Medicare HMO's have a very
restricted access to doctors, but we still retain the right to change,
and to complain.
   The choice of a doctor should be undertaken with greater filters than
we use to pick close friends, yet so many times we leave the choice up to
pure chance. Were a friend to be in too much of a hurry, not having time
to talk with us, or worse, because of financial incentives, gives us
wrong advice, most of us would find another friend. Yet a doctor, in whom
we place our lives, retains our business after repeated failures.
   Complain. Be vocal. Face the doctor and MAKE him/her listen. Complain
to the HMO, to Medicare, to the AMA, the state board, and change until
you find a doctor who will be there for you, who will be your friend, who
will seek not only the wealth of his profession, and there is nothing
wrong with that, but will also demand the best care for his patients
regardless of the personal and financial cost.
   The fingers which will very likely be the ones to touch your eyes for
the last time should be those of someone in whom we have complete and
total trust. We should demand that, and accept nothing less.