Patients, please listen. I have some things to say to you, per an article today in the Washington Post. The story details the ways in which patients can go online and rate their physicians, at websites such as RateMDs.com and Angie’s List. Patients typically write about such horrible woes as waiting for forty five minutes, having to wait an hour in the waiting room, and other seemingly unbearable complaints. Physicians are now doing the best that they can to enact some form of legislation that would disallow the public commentary about specific doctors and their practices. Why? Because although it may make a patient feel better for a few minutes to completely rant on a doctor for their bad experience and warn the rest of the world never to attend the practice, it can literally crush the entire career of a physician or surgeon. We all have to admit that we have been extremely peeved multiple times due to a doctor’s visit. Our appointment was at 1, we waited until 3, or we sat unclothed in one of those paper robes sitting on the table in the nearly refrigerated room for forty five minutes. In the end, though, did you really consider that a reason to end your doctor’s career or do enough damage where he can’t put enough food on his own table?
This may sound exaggerated, but I warn you it is not. People ask for far more than physicians as individuals can do for them. To become a doctor, you must have a genuine interest in relieving the suffering of another human being, and you must maintain that desire through many trials and tribulations, lasting years. Physicians and surgeons would most likely do every small thing you ask for, if they could. Insurance companies only reimburse physicians and surgeons for the dollar amount that they see fit, which is typically much less than it actually costs. So before you go posting how terrible your experience was, keep in mind that your physician paid for about half of your visit out of his own pocket. Also, if you want physicians to really listen to you and talk to you, answering all your questions, then be respectful if he runs late because that means he was doing just that with his previous patients. He will do the same with you, and the next patient, until he is at work for an extra eight hours than planned. Please do this for me: think of all of your issues with the doctor from his perspective, and it may actually be better than you thought. Extra waiting time means that he will spend extra time with patients, regardless of his schedule (good thing!). Posting good reviews is fine, because it helps other people receive good medical care, and it helps your physician as well, instead of ruining one and warning another. Use your best judgment.
More than One-Third of Docs Say Risk Level Rising for Potential H1N1 Flu Pandemic
A new national study among 696 physicians revealed that more than one-third of physicians (37%) reported that there was “somewhat of a risk” that the H1N1 swine flu could result in a catastrophic pandemic, the highest level since an April study in which 49% of physicians reported that there was “somewhat of a risk” for a pandemic.
The study was conducted last night by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com(R) website, and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO), as part of a series of studies which were conducted during April, May and June to obtain physicians’ perceptions of the H1N1 virus. The studies are being conducted on a weekly basis to measure physicians’ perceptions regarding their personal and professional views on the issue. To view detailed results go to: www.hcdi.net or www.mediacurves.com.
When asked what top three sources they use to obtain information on H1N1 swine flu, physicians listed government agency communications (77%) as their top choice, followed by the news media (71%) and medical associations (55%), similar to previous studies.
Tags: agency communications, flu pandemic, government agency, institute of public opinion, medical associations, muhlenberg college, news media, perceptions, physicians, professional views, risk level, swine flu, top choice, virusRelated posts
Consumers Believe Healthcare Can Get Better
Would you believe that rather than the doctors and physicians themselves, it is the patients who believe that the health industry can only get better.
A new national study among 2,547 physicians and consumers revealed that consumers have a more positive outlook on the future of health care reform in the U.S.
The study was conducted by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) during April 10-12, to obtain physicians’ and consumers’ perception of U.S. health care reform. Respondents were also asked to provide their perceptions of specific health care-related industries and professions.
The study will be conducted on a monthly basis among physicians and consumers to measure perceptions of the health care reform process in the United States. Each month, an overall metric score will be reported for physicians and consumers to monitor trends and perceptions. The metric is comprised of two questions.
One question measures the perceived progress of health care reform; and the other question determines whether respondents perceive that health care reform is heading in the right direction. The metric is reported on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points.
Physicians and consumers were also asked to provide favorability ratings for the following industries/professions related to health care. The ratings are based on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points, with -100 representing “not at all favorable” and +100 representing an “extremely favorable” rating.
Tags: consumers, doctors, future of health care, heading in the right direction, health care reform, health industry, institute of public opinion, measures, muhlenberg college, new national study, perception, perceptions, physicians, positive outlook, professions, related industries, respondents, score, specific health, united states
