5 Secrets Your Doctor Won’t Tell You
We all trust our doctor’s to be completely honest and provide the best possible care. While doctors are honest with their patients about most issues, there are still plenty of secrets that stay between medical professionals. Like all occupations, there are things that frustrate and aggravate doctors daily. Below are five secrets your doctor won’t tell you.
1) I Know More Than a Website
In this day and age everyone uses the internet to research symptoms in an effort to self-diagnose. Just because you find a course of treatment online does not mean that it is right for you. There is a reason doctors spend years in medical school. One thing the internet does not account for is that not all people are the same. What works well for one person might not work with your unique circumstances. If you are going to pay to visit the doctor at least have enough respect to heed your doctor’s advice.
2) I am Always Afraid of Being Sued for Malpractice
Doctors are always expected to be perfect and to never make a mistake. These expectations drive doctors to be cautious and conservative in their diagnoses and treatment. Patients undergo many unnecessary tests to ensure that you do not come back with a lawsuit. These tests can be potentially harmful and also drive up the costs for insurance premiums since the medical bills have to get paid.
3) I Make You Wait While I Consult with a Pharmaceutical Representative
Rising costs of medical care make incentives from pharmaceutical companies that much more appealing. Between 2002 and 2006 medical expenses rose over 25% while annual salaries for physicians rose only 3.3%. While providing the best care is still a doctor’s main objective, doctors still have to do what is necessary to make ends meet.
4) Don’t Tell Me What Drugs to Prescribe
Commercials might tell you to ask your doctor if a particular drug is right for you, but nobody knows better than your doctor. After all, that is why you are paying to visit the doctor, right? Nothing drives your doctor crazier than a patient who thinks they have all the answers because they saw an ad in magazine or on the television. Trust your doctor to make the best decision. If you find out that a particular drug is not covered by your insurance, ask if there is something comparable for them to prescribe you.
5) I Make a Fraction of What I Charge
Less than 50% of your doctor’s bill actually goes into the pocket of your physician. Robert Lowes, a senior editor at Medical Economics, broke down a $100 doctor’s charge to see where it goes. He found that $3.50 goes to malpractice insurance, $3.50 for equipment repairs and maintenance, $6 for supplies, $7 for rent and utilities, $11 for office expenses, $28 for office salaries and benefits and $41 for the doctor’s paycheck. It is also important to add that insurance companies usually do not pay the full amount billed so the doctor automatically takes a loss when they bill to insurance companies.
For more information, go to:
http://www.rd.com/health/41-secrets-for-your-next-doctor-visit/
The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.
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 American Health Care 28 Apr 2011 |
