Most of the docs hate the PCs too. But they’re effectively required to fill out this 300 point checklist of everything they say, see, and do with you in the room. Plus note down whatever you say.
Either they can have the whole visit with you and no PC, then type it all in from their infallible (hah!) memory before the next patient, or else they can fill it in as they go along.
Of course their practice is scheduled so there is zero downtime between Patient A & Patient B in which to type up Patient A’s notes. So it gets done while Patient A is in the room talking to the doc.
In practices which use the “cost is no object” model, they hire someone called a medical scribe to operate the PC while the doc interacts with you. That works much better. Just don’t expect your insurance company to pay enough for them to stay in business.
Yeah, my doctors all take a lot of notes as i speak. They do it on a computer. (Often built into the room, not just a laptop) I’m okay with that. I don’t really expect the podiatrist to remember my medical history the next time i see him. I’m happy to have him look it up. Frankly, i don’t expect my pcp to remember everything, either.
And since i usually see doctors in the same practice, it also means they can see each other’s notes, and all my test results.
I don’t need constant eye contact with them.
For that matter, i use a pad of paper, not a computer, but i write when they talk, too, and don’t look at them much.
I have gone to important doctors visits with family members to act as a medical scribe. I sometimes read the notes to the doctor before i leave, to check for accuracy. I’ve been told i do a very good job of it.
Maybe- I tend to go to the PCP first, because it’s pretty common that I don’t actually need a specialist and it’s something my PCP can treat. Or sometimes I might not be sure which kind of specialist - do I see an endocrinologist or an ENT for a nodule on my thyroid? Most of the times when I’ve needed a specialist , it was because my PCP said it was time for me to get a colonoscopy or that since I have diabetes, I need to start seeing an ophthalmologist and a podiatrist.
I prefer younger doctors because I’ve gotten to the age where everyone from my dentist to mechanics are retiring on me. A younger doctor might move away (which also just happened to me) but that’s less likely than an older one retiring.
My PCP is nearing retirement and has brought on a young intern who sees me from time to time—giving me both seasoned wisdom and a fresh perspective. He’s reduced his patient load, which means longer, more thoughtful visits. He stays impressively up-to-date with current medical practices—we often discuss new studies and treatments, so I know he’s not just coasting toward retirement. Always friendly, always asks about the family, and genuinely listens when I offer input (I’m a retired physician from another specialty). I’ll miss him, his intern, and his cheerful staff when I move out of state soon.
Everyone ought to insist on bringing a family member or reasonably bright friend to important visits. Too much is going on while you’re the guest of honor to keep it all straight and ensure everything gets asked & answered and remembered and …
I need to make a note to myself about that.
So far, although I am no spring chicken, I have not had any doctor visits which you would call ‘important’: just checkup stuff.
But the day is going to come… hopefully my wife will still be fairly competent; at least, she is 6 years younger than me…