Who Else Thinks Being a Doctor Has Become More About The Money Than Helping Their Fellow Man?

Is it just me? After my experiences as of late with various doctors, I'm more convinced this is true. Take my appointment with a podiatrist to explore my foot pain as an example.

I spent exactly 5 minutes with the man. I spent more time waiting in the waiting room and the exam room (a half hour at least) than I did with the doctor himself. I really wonder how this is even possible when he only spends 5 minutes with each patient? He came in, introduced himself, took my foot in his hand, first one and then the other. He cupped my heel with one hand, grabbed my big toe with the other and wiggled my foot back and forth. Keep in mind that I am diabetic and should have my feet examined. After this exercise, he made his diagnosis. Don't ask me how he knew so quickly what my problem was considering he didn't even look at the area I was complaining about.

"You would benefit from some inserts we call Orthotics," he said nodding his head.

"Huh?" was my reply.

"Have you met your deductible this year? These specially made inserts cost $600"

"Um...I think so, but...."

"Well, we'll get some x-rays and castings of your feet and get them ordered. It takes about three weeks for the inserts to come in."

"OK, I guess. But, my heel...."

"Oh, they will help heel pain too."

So, the doctor leaves and the nurse comes in to take the x-rays and castings. Two days later, his office calls to tell me that I have spurs on my heel, and that is the cause of the pain, but I should go ahead and get the Orthotics anyway.

What?

I told them no thanks. What do I need inserts designed to make you walk correctly when it's heel spurs that I have?

Example #2:

My family doctor, the one I go to for my diabetes. Again, I spend more time waiting to see her than actually seeing her. She walks in, says, "How ya doin'?" and barely listens when I tell her. I offer my little booklet that has my glucose counts in it for the last few months since my last appointment, but she doesn't want to see it. She'll get blood work instead that will tell her the average.

The average?

Umm.....the average only tells you..........the average. It won't tell you when my counts are high, or if they are significantly high at certain times.

OK.....now, she should take a look at my feet.

But no, she has never looked at my feet in all the time I've been going to her. If anyone reading this is diabetic, you know how important foot care is when you're diabetic. My doc does not check them.

On average, I spend about 5-10 minutes with the woman and I'm out the door.

Example #3:

My daughter's neurologist for epilepsy. Nice guy. Comes out to the waiting room to call you in himself. Shakes your hand every time. Unfortunately, while it seems like he is a caring, concerned doctor, he really isn't educating us at all. He asks questions, takes notes, and prescribes meds. He'll perform a test of balance or strength at each visit, which looks like he's doing his job, but when it comes down to it, we knew nothing about her condition.

Did you know that if a seizure is left to go too long, it can cause brain damage and/or death? Good, glad you know that.

I didn't. Not until about two weeks ago when we went to a pediatric neurologist at Children's Hospital in Milwaukee.

Did you know that there's a med that can stop a seizure instantly when given rectally if it lasts more than 5 minutes?

You did?

I didn't.

My daughter's new neurologist is awesome. She has restored my faith in doctors. She spent almost 45 minutes with us, even though she is extremely busy. She gave us a ton of information, ordered specialized tests and blood work, and made me feel a little more in control of my daughter's condition. I really feel that this doctor does her job because she really, really wants to help others.

As it should be.