I've seen doctors, and I've seen nurse practitioners over the years. I have a guarded opinion about both. Some doctors are woefully uninformed of the nature of their patients, and some nurse practitioners don't seem to have a grasp of the responsibility of their autonomy. I can see why undesirable aspects of both happen, but can't see any cut and dried method to prevent conditions unfavorable to a patient. Reviews of either can be misleading during internet searches, and opinions of other patients may not have any bearing on your own condition. Both are limited by regulations, lack of quality time to spend with patients, and due to shortages, some culls shouldn't be in the medical profession.
Personally, I've been blessed with primary doctors. Whether it was by sheer luck, or careful consideration, isn't really important without a sure-fire method of determining their qualifications. All have taken time for my questions and concerns. That, and willing to send me to specialists for things such as skin cancer and internal medicine concerns.
I've had some bad experiences with nurse-practitioners. Their qualifications weren't the problem. The problem was their "jumping ship" where they were working, not leaving specific instructions for future doctor visits, and basically having me slip through the cracks. To the office personnel, I didn't exist, until I called to ask why prescription weren't refilled, or when my next appointment was scheduled. Even that led to some frustrating attempts to play the "listen to the following list" menu and finding the correct person to handle my problem.
I wish I had a good answer, but from my research, doctors have a tougher role to fill when it comes to accountability. Nurse practitioners will leave for multiple reasons, go to another doctor, or clinic, and their concern for patients seems to only be transitory. I can't fault them for wanting a better environment, or more money, but somewhere is a balance that demands more obligation to their patients.
I have no solutions, but I do have questions. My experience is mine alone, may be totally irrelevant to most other situations, and not reflect the experiences of anyone else. That's why I'm asking for other opinions.
Since I have to deal with the medical profession regularly due to health issues, I am more familiar with doctors than I would like. While I have had very good doctors in the past, I find the one I have now enjoys writing prescriptions and little else. I continue with him only because he has agreed to phone visits (I am mostly housebound) and otherwise leaves me alone.
ReplyDeleteI see home health care nurses three times a week. A couple of them do an extraordinarily good job of doing what is necessary to keep me somewhat mobile. And I find that the nursing service takes into consideration my preferences as to which nurses I want to see. There have been a couple of them that I would not let back into my home due to various reasons. But for the most part, I am satisfied with the nursing care provided by the service.
I may live in a city suburb, but my favorite nurse gets potato peels and carrot peels for her chickens and I get eggs now and then. We are basically small town people. I think that attitude makes a difference.
I think the good folks in the medical profession realize peace of mind is more important to health than anything else. Those with arrogance, or a condescending attitude, have to be the best in their field to keep patients.
DeleteI wish I had a good answer.
ReplyDeleteIs it greed? Or are they just overwhelmed with too many people needing their attention?
My concern has always been trying to communicate with someone that does not speak English as their primary language.
I think much of it is incompetence. The medical field requires a noble decision to not do harm...regardless of their opinion.
DeleteLast batch The Mrs. had were pretty good.
ReplyDeleteBest medical person I have had was either an NP or a PA, don't remember which. She used to call me and talk to me about my health, about visits, etc. I have been with my primary care physician since the mid 1980's. He is ok. The worst medical person I have had was either an NP or a PA, don't remember which. I had an 8 AM appointment, she came in at 8:15. I didn't see her until about 10 AM. The reason medical people are called Practitioners is because they are still Practicing.
ReplyDeleteOur local clinics mostly run by nurse practitioners are basically minions of local hospitals run by huge corporations. They follow the rules, push patients for tests that make them money, and can attempt to bully patients to push them to doing what may be unnecessary tests. There are good ones, but too many forget their dealings with patients, not income sources.
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