My research indicates that there are a number of reasons why a patient would be dishonest with the provider.
1. The doctor does not take the time to really listen to what they are saying. Face it, the doctors have to see so many patients per day in order to pay their bills and stay in business. When a patient feels that the doctor is not listening, they will not give the whole story, sometimes to their own detriment.
2. They feel intimidated by the doctor. The patient-physician trust relationship has to be maintained if the patient is to be properly cared for. The physician's body language and bedside manners are key to maintaining the relationship, but the patient's willingness to listen to their doctor goes a long ways to keeping their end of the bargain.
3. The patient does not want to feel foolish because some of the information is embarrassing to share with the doctor. However, withholding that information could be life-threatening to them in certain circumstances. It is better to take the risk and tell the whole truth than to lose your life over something that could have been prevented.
If the patient-doctor relationship is not healthy, then the patient does have options. They do not have to just ignore the problem and hope it goes away. They sought medical care for a reason and they need to know what is going on with their body.
The Patient Options:
1. Get a second opinion when you are diagnosed with something that requires any sort of ongoing care ie. surgery, chemo, etc.
2. Even if your diagnosis isn't life threatening, you can research. The internet has a wealth of information at your fingertips. The doctor may not have time to give all of the information that you need to know, but that is no excuse for being uninformed.
3. Do not agree to an option for your healthcare unless you thoroughly research the best option for you. Sometimes the doctors recommend a procedure because they will get paid more to do that procedure than a less invasive and less expensive procedure. You do have a right to say NO.
4. Ask around for a recommendation of a different doctor. If there are personality conflicts, find another doctor who will be better suited for you. Since complete honesty is vital to the patient-physician relationship, you need to feel comfortable with your physician so that you can be totally honest and he needs to listen to what you are saying.
5. Trust your own judgment. You know your body better than the doctor does. If you are not comfortable with his answer, then research to confirm or deny it.
The provider can help maintain the healthy relationship and cash flow into his practice by doing his part as well.
Doctors Advice:
1. Take time to really listen to your patients.2. Be totally honest when giving patient information about their condition. They need to make informed decisions based on the information that you give them. Don't purposely mislead your clients. It will come back to haunt you in lost business!
3. If the patient is unable to emotionally cope with the results of their diagnosis, ask them to bring a friend or mate with them to discuss the results.
4. The patients may not appreciate what you have to say, but at least you did your part to maintain honesty and your reputation will grow as a good and honest physician ultimately paying off in your cash drawer.
Patients that are happy with their physicians are more likely to pay their co-payments, co-insurances and patient balances!
Thanks for reading.
Donna McHugh, CMRS
Resources:
1.Stewart Segal is a family physician who blogs at Livewellthy.org.
2. http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/fieldclinic/Successful-doctor-patient-relationships-require-honesty.html
3. Is Your Doctor One of the Dishonest Ones? By Trisha Torrey, About.com GuideFebruary 13, 2012
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