I have a surgical consult on Thursday to have my thyroid removed. The doctor’s office called me to make sure I had the time and address right, then said, “The doctor requires that you bring someone with you if you’re going to be discussing surgery.” I said, I’m an adult, there’s no one responsible for my health besides me. Why would this be required? Oh, it’s the doctor’s policy. I ask what if I don’t bring someone - will I not be seen by the surgeon? Well…the doctor will see you , but it’s her policy to have potential surgical patients bring someone. Can’t you bring a sibling or a neighbor or friend? But WHY??? The doctor feels that you don’t always hear all the information if you come by yourself. With two people, you’re more likely to come away with the information you need.
Has anyone else had this happen to them? What ever happened to HIPAA and the doctor/patient relationship? The more I think about this, the more angry I get. If I have questions later, I’ll call. Since this is a surgery routinely done by this surgeon, she could have a FAQ handout to give people with all the pertainant info. But I’m uncomortable enough seeing a doctor. I don’t want someone else in there with me. I’m not 8 and I don’t need my mommy in the exam room with me.
Whatever the doctor’s policy and its pros and cons, the notes I take for friends at the doctor are always better than what they remember or the notes they took.
I have never heard of this - and I’ve had too many surgeries in the past 4 years. While my doctor is tolerant of people coming along (I only know this from watching others) he does not require it.
I’m with you - you are an adult and don’t need anyone with you.
That’s definately true - my mom always goes with my dad because she remembers what the doctor said, especially if it’s bad news or about surgery or something.
I don’t think it needs to be required to have someone with you though I do think it’s a good idea to bring someone. Many times another person will hear things you don’t or can write down stuff while you talk.
But, if you want to go alone that is your right. If you don’t feel comfortable with this surgeon, or this is giving you second thoughts maybe you can find another doctor?
Sounds like the doctor is doing this to cover his posterior. I’ve heard some doctors are videotaping consults to cover them in case of future litigation. If you do not like a doctor’s policy, I would suggest going to a different doctor.
Most people wouldn’t think to bring one. Plus, if it’s bad news that is being discussed, a supportive friend/relative is a lot more comforting to have along than a machine.
As far as the OP goes, I wouldn’t waste my time being angry. It’s obviously a policy that works for the doctor - if it doesn’t work for you, don’t bring anyone else, take a tape recorder if you think it would help you remember what was said, or get another doctor. The most important thing is to be comfortable with the person who is going to operate on you.
I’ve never known a doctor to require a second person, but I’ve known many who recommend it. If it was required, it didn’t come up or I’ve forgotten about it, because there was already another person planning to attend.
I would definitely recommend that you take someone, based on my experience (i.e., more than you even want to think about) in dealing with doctors and medical situations. I have seen people flatly and completely misremember or forget things the doctor said that they didn’t want to hear. Different people, not just one. More than once. And for long periods of time.
If there’s really no one at all that you can comfortably take with you, at least take a tape recorder. It won’t be as good, but better than nothing.
And if you’re not comfortable with this doc, find another.
You might want to find out how much help they will be expecting you to have from friends & family with respect to the actual procedure. For example, when my husband had neck surgery they expected me to change one of his dressings after 3 days, and they explained the process to me in the hospital. The whole medical establishment seems to be really *leveraging * family support to get patients out sooner. In a way I can understand it as a reasonable cost-saving measure–we have to do something to keep down the cost of healthcare–but it also seems like quite an imposition to assume there’s always some family member able to fill the role formerly filled by housewives.
On a less ranty note, if someone will be accompanying you for surgery, you may as well get them involved now, so they know what they’re in for.
Harriet - Well, go on and be all logical… When I had my gallbladder out 3 weeks ago, I put my dogs in their outside run, made sure the cats had food, water and clean litter (oh - I need to buy litter today) and the horses had plenty of water. I spent the night of surgery at my mother’s sleeping it off, more or less, then went home the next day and took care of myself after that. I made sure I had plenty of petfood (people food, not so much) so I didn’t have to lift heavy bags right after surgery. |
I’ve had two sisters and a nephew who’ve had this same surgery in the last year. (Score so far - 2 cancer, 1 cancer-free) My hope is that I can just tough it out by myself. I have too many animals to spend too much time away from home.
I had half my thyroid removed, and no one accompanied me to the pre-op meeting, though I was married. The only time I have ever heard this rule is when you are being sedated or something, so that driving yourself home is not safe.
(BTW when I had it there was no pain or soreness, and I had to stay home in bed a week, and only work half time another week. One of the better vacations I’ve had. :))