Quality Of Care

My prescriptions were on the verge of expiration, so I had to go in for a check-up. Never an event one looks forward to. All the poking and prodding, not to mention the weigh-in. Has to be done, I suppose.

I have no health insurance, so I go to a clinic for my routine health care. I have been seen by the nurse practitioner until recently when she moved away. I found her to be quite competent and caring. Very thorough and taking the time to explain and explore possible avenues of treatment. I liked her and trusted her. I was sad to learn that she had moved on.

I arose from my dream filled slumber and climbed into the shower, denying myself coffee, since I knew there would be the drawing blood. I even shaved my legs! I gathered all the necessities of going to the big city and remembered to leave a canine in charge. I arrived 15 minutes early, as is my habit.

The appointment took place on-time and the doctor was through with me in less than 10 minutes. Most of that time was spent with him in front of a monitor as he asked me all the questions I had already answered on paper that he had on a clipboard in front of him. I wondered if this were some sort of lie detector test, or if perhaps, he was testing my memory. After this he said, "All done, now let's listen to your heart." I don't know that he actually heard it beat, since my heart rate is slow and skips beats. The nurse drew my blood and I peed in a cup and was on my way.

I paid a $30 co-pay for that. I had met the doctor on a previous visit and was not impressed with his skills as a physician. He was not someone I would like to spend any time around, but thought that he might have been having a bad day. I was there because his staff told me to get there. My blood pressure was elevated and I am on medication. I was feeling particularly bad. Nausea, headache and just plain wretched. When entered the exam room he said, "What are you doing here?" His tone was almost accusing, like he wanted to add, "wasting my time".

I have been told that I have a sarcastic streak and have been known to respond in kind. I didn't. I was tempted, but I held it in check. He was, after all the doctor who was about to diagnose me and hopefully help me feel better. When I told him that my blood pressure was up and that I was already on medication, he looked at me like I was daft and said, "Well, just increase the dosage."

I had no high expectations today, but did expect to have my ears looked at, as well as my throat. Thought he would listen to me breathe. Thought I would have to wear a paper gown for all this. Didn't even take my shoes off.

So, you are asking what I am complaining about? I am just wondering what quality of care I am receiving. This "exam" could have been handled on the phone and I would not have had to shower and drive 30 miles to get there. Is this what I can expect as I age and my body starts to malfunction?
A little scary ......