Пятница Ponderings: The Pain of Healthcare

Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate 
Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian

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I work in healthcare. Have I ever mentioned that? The Doctor is a chiropractor and I am his office manager. We started this practice nearly three years ago. I have learned many things during this time. Want to hear some of them?

I've learned that peopling is hard for an introvert, but I've gotten somewhat comfortable in the role.

I've learned that I despise insurance companies.

I've learned that I like our patients.

I've learned that my husband is an amazing doctor.

I've learned that the art of truly caring for your patients is a lost one.

The Doctor spends time with his patients. He explains things: what he believes is wrong or causing their pain and what he is going to do to help them. He treats them so that they will get better, not to keep them coming back. If he can't help, or needs a different opinion, he will refer them out to a specialist.

He calls and texts patients to see how they're doing. Whether it's to follow up after an adjustment or if they've seen a specialist, or just because he knows they're struggling or noticed something was off. He has gone into the office on Sunday mornings and Saturday nights to see patients who are in distress.

We work together to make our office welcoming and friendly. If a patient needs a particular appointment time, we try to accommodate. If we can't, we'll say so, but I think our patients know we value them.

Because of this, I am always disappointed when I go to a physician's office and am treated as if I am a burden and inconvenience. I had this experience recently. Where a doctor puts too much faith in her office staff even when they have proven to be incompetent. But, because she trusts that they will do their job and follow-through for patients, she feels like she doesn't have to. And the patients suffer for it.

Working in healthcare has made me even more appreciative of my husband as a doctor and I am so grateful that he is a physician who cares.

Working in healthcare has also made me more jaded and I don't like that feeling.

Working in healthcare has made me realize that when you find those special doctors, keep them and express your appreciation.

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