I have clients who like to have me go with them to their doctor’s office. I was a little surprised when this client asked me to accompany her because she likes her doctor and has an easy time talking to him. She says he listens to her concerns.
See, I am a patient advocate. I spend hours with clients, helping them to understand what the doctor is ordering, why they must return every 3 months, or getting answers to their medical concerns. I also uncover medical mistakes and billing errors, and ask the doctor to explain medical diagnosis and treatment plans. I am the “relief” who enters a family home on the brink of despair and takes the pressure off the patient and family, so the healing can begin.
Well, this doctor had her test results and some bad news. When he finished, my client said,
“Doctor, will I get through this?”
He replied, “No, YOU will not get through this, WE will get through this. I will be with you every step of the way.”
This is what true medical practice is all about. Medicine has been through covert reconstructive surgery over the past 30 years. During this operation, large medical facilities and hospitals amputated its heart and replaced it with the dollar sign.
But this doctor held on to his heart!! Most doctors did. They will protect their patients from the employer’s financial pressure to hurry up, see more patients, and order more tests. All you have to do is find them, appreciate them and somewhere, buried under the massive pressure they feel, they will emerge to help you, heal you and care for you.