At the Doctor’s Office

I’ve always been the kind of doctor who enjoys engaging in dialogue with patients and families. I encourage them to ask questions about their health and about the recommendations I provide. A thoughtful question will occasionally prompt me to do additional reading or to “curbside” a colleague for input. Doctors are skilled and knowledgeable, but

The doctor-patient relationship can be challenging. Today’s health care system does not facilitate the development of a meaningful connection; in fact, it tends to impair this crucial relationship. Solo practitioners, 30-minute appointments, and house calls are mostly fond memories from the “good old days”. Today’s physician grapples with time constraints, insurance denials, unnecessary paperwork, and

During one of my dad’s more frustrating hospitalizations my sisters and I were having a very difficult time communicating with the doctors. We provided them with numerous examples of his confusion and disorganized thoughts. We had significant concerns about his mental status and ability to care for himself yet the doctors kept telling us he

My father had several chronic health conditions and was cared for by multiple physicians. In addition to his primary care physician, he saw a cardiologist for hypertension and heart disease, a nephrologist for end stage renal disease, a neurologist for dementia and unexplained weakness, and a psychiatrist for depression. When hospitalized, he was typically cared for

I dread open enrollment season. Every year I feel a little anxious about choosing health insurance for my family. Thankfully, we’re fairly healthy and we don’t visit the doctor often, but the future is unpredictable and it’s important to have adequate coverage. The decision is a binding one and can’t be changed until either the

Years ago, I had a gynecologist I really liked, but every time I visited the office I waited a minimum of 45 minutes to be seen. There was never a good explanation and it left me feeling incredibly annoyed. After two or three years, I couldn’t take it anymore and I found another doctor. When

  I have a great primary care physician. He is personable and kind. He keeps up with the latest guidelines and provides excellent care. He utilizes an electronic medical record that allows me to access my lab results via a patient portal. He considers patients to be partners in the decision-making process. His office staff