In Defense of Doctors

Angie - posted on 08/03/2009

I LOVED MY DOCTOR and Also Kaya's doctor...The good thing about here in the U.S. we GET TO CHOOSE! :) I don't know what it is like in other countries, so I can't speak for them :). Unfortunately Kaya's doctor left us and now I'm scrambling trying to find another doctor...I hate dentist's but that is just me...I hate getting shots in the mouth, I usually cry my eyes out!! (I am such a pussy)!! Chiropractors...aren't for me, but my husband has been going to one for over 10 years now...its at his home town, so we have to drive 4-5 hours every time he needs to go! :)

I HATE INSURANCE COMPANIES!!!! During my pregnancy with Kaya, the friday before I was due (I was due that monday)...they dropped me for no good reason!!! I of course had a very nice lawyer friend that wrote a letter to scare the piss out of them, by the time I had Kaya we were fully covered again... :) Its good to have friends in high places.

Shelly - posted on 08/03/2009

There are good and bad drs. Yes the insurance companies make it so much worse but we would all (in the us anyway) complain if we didnt have it. Its a real catch 22. I think drs do their jobs but its not always their best. I had emergency brain surgery in March of this year w/out insurance were talking over 300 grand in med bills, Im thankful for my insurance, not on the flip side could drs of made my life easier if they would just listen, yes for sure if things were found sooner, ect. What Im saying is its not 100% about the money and ins companies, but its not 100% about drs either. I think they just dont compliment each other well. I do my own reseach but a dr went to school a long time to also learn how to do that research correctly.

Esther - posted on 08/02/2009

Corrina - I don't blindly trust any doctor either. For example, I went to an OBGYN when I was pregnant the first time and she was so rude that I never went back after that first visit. I ended up miscarrying that time and thank god there was another doctor sitting next to my bed when I had my D&C. I did write a letter of complaint and the owner of the clinic that the rude doctor belonged to called me personally to apologize and took personal care to make sure that my file was immediately provided to my new doctor. That doctor however, I would have trusted with my life. And he did a fabulous job helping me deal with my miscarriage and then my subsequent pregnancy and the delivery of my son. The nurses at the hospital too were just beyond fantastic. I honestly wouldn't mind vacationing at my local hospital. It was such a good experience. You have to go with your gut. I agree with that. I just don't like the picture that is often painted on COM as if the majority of doctors are only looking out for #1 (i.e. themselves). That, I just refuse to believe is true. I think most people generally are pretty decent, and I think doctors are too.

Charlie - posted on 08/02/2009

I live in Australia , and have to say my experience with doctors has been nothing less then excellent .
I did not pay for one doctors visit during pregnancy and had the best of care through out !
My wonderful doctor even put me in as private ( own room yay ) instead of public , he knew full well i wasn't private , so even though i was in induced labor for two days i was comfortable in my private little room during recovery .
Hospitals get a bad rap in Aus , but i just have to say Randwick royal womens hospital has been fantastic to me with both my miscariage ( they rushed me straight through no waiting) and birth ( and miscariage scares in the second pregnancy ), they provided an excellent OBGYN , their absolutely wonderful midwives who were a pleasure to have by my side in both cases .
Thank You RRWH !!

Corrina - posted on 08/02/2009

I think some are 'cynical' becasue of experience. I know I can say from my own experience, that I dont fully trust Doctors, just because they are Doctors. Being a Doctor doesnt equel perfection, to me trust is earned, even in Doctors, when I meet a Dr I make sure to ask alot of questions so that I trust them with my life, I dont like seeing just any Doctor simply because they are a Doctor.. As an example, I have 4 children, with 2 i was under the care of a midwife, the other 2 under the care of an actual OB/GYN.. I preferred the midwife, she seemed far more knowledgable in the labor and birth process than the OB I had. In my opinion my OB rushed me in to a c section due to HIS convienience, ( labored 12 hrs + and he was tired of waiting on me to progress IMO) , where as my midwives allowed me to labor just as long if not longer and allowed me to do so without pressure.. I had a stalled labor with my OB, which is basically why he took me in for c sect, afterwards i found out there were several things I could have done to progress and have a vaginal birth, but the OB did not even suggest anything, he seemed tired of waiting and in a hurry to get it over with.. so I dont always think they 'know more'..

Emily - posted on 08/02/2009

I'd have to agree with what Joy said about the ER. The care there is very poor and waits are horribly long. My sister is a nurse practitioner in an ER for pedatrics. The majority of people that she sees are people who do not have insurance or their own doctors, not true emergencies. This really is a problem because it bogs down the system and people with emergencies aren't getting the attention that is needed.



I go back to what I said before CAREFULLY researching and selecting a doctor as you would when purchasing a TV, car, childcare like someone also mentioned will ensure that each person gets the care that the want and deserve.

Sharon - posted on 08/02/2009

I agree - Melissa that wasn't a debate from you. That was testimony that you found bad doctors.



Although this post wasn't really about good or bad doctors. And I did a lousy job of stating my point. All my stories were to point out that in my region of the USA there are more bad doctors than there are good doctors.



I think good doctors would be more in evidence if they weren't handicapped by insurance companies and the need to back their crappy fellow doctors in case they ever need the back up themselves.



Hell I can't even get veterinarians around here to agree on a cause of illness or injury. Forget the highly paid doctors.

JL - posted on 08/02/2009

I just like to say in accordance with Traci's statement about military docs..I have been going to military hospitals since I was born and I can say overall I have had wonderful docs through the military health system. The few crappy experiences I have had were remedied fast because I went to the patient advocate office and stood my ground. The few horrible experiences I have had has been with civilians docs in the ER. I do not go to an ER unless it is an actual emergency and in the most part this is how military ER's operate. If you are not in a situation where you need to be seen immediately then you are directed to leave and get a medical appointment with a doctor and they are not shy about telling you to hit the road. When I have gone to civilian ER's the waits have been ridiculous and the care crappy but then I look around the waiting room and realize why and that is because it is full of people who are not in an emergency situation..people who could wait a day or two for an appointment. People with colds, low grade temps, blisters on thier toes, and other minor things...and that is why I think here in the US were really need to open up and start publicly talking about rationing when it comes to healthcare. Civilians ER's should be treated just like military ER's if it is not an emergency situation they they have the right to send you on your way so people will stop congesting the emergency rooms.



And self diagnosis is a dangerous thing...unless you have a medical degree I would advise you to see a professional.

Erin - posted on 08/02/2009

Melissa you weren't debating. You were giving out advice that could be potentially harmful to other mums and their families. Advising people to trust what they can find in their own research instead of a doctor is a ridiculous and irresponsible thing to do. What would you suggest people do when their child gets sick? Google their symptoms? Self-diagnose? With attitudes like this it's no wonder you have the difficulties you do with your daughter.
And by the way... I will not keep my opinion to myself when I see someone giving potentially dangerous advice. If you don't want someone to challenge your opinion why did you come to a debating group?

Mel - posted on 08/02/2009

this is a debating site, if you dont like my opinion that is too bad but keep it to yourself. *sigh* some people why did i even re join.

Erin - posted on 08/01/2009

Melissa I know you've had a difficult time with your daughter's health, and I can only imagine how frustrating it must be to know she may not be having so many problems now if her care had been handled differently. But to blacklist all doctors, or GPs, due to your negative experience is doing yourself and your baby a huge disservice. I absolutely agree that knowledge is power, and arming yourself with as much information as possible regarding your child's health problems is a great idea. But without their substantial medical training and ongoing education a person is NOT equipped to make these medical decisions without the input of a doctor.
If you have questions, ask them. If you want a second opinion, get one. Talk to other families. Find support groups. But please don't write off all doctors as negligent and wrong, or advise others not to trust them.

Mel - posted on 08/01/2009

i went to 4 docs who told me nothing was wrong with my baby had to go to emergency to get her admitted and she was in for a month and a half. first bad experience.



they put a nasal gastric tube in my daughter without using rice cereal in the bottle without telling us of the dangers of long term NG tube feeding, then did not get her off it when they should have, rather used it for her weight gain. 2nd bad experience proving to be years to reverse damage done by these so called professionals.



we are threatetning to report doctors and their superiors have threatened to report them for tube feeding a HEALTHY baby and since then they told us "we pissed them around and that we were hindering our childs development and that her tube could have been out months ago had we admitted her". so we complied knowing full well noting would be done properly. came home tube still in lost nearly a kilo of weight. its been 2 weeks since they were supposed to write up a new plan nothing been done. third reason.



moral of the story never trust a doctor do your own research. i refuse to go to a gp now let alone risk my childs health and take her to one

Sapphire - posted on 08/01/2009

I don't even go to a doctor anymore! Last OB-GYN visit was in April '05 for a 6 week post-pardum check up. I attempted a dental visit earlier this year, but ebded up fainting. Last real dental work done was in 2002. I don't have a problem with an eye exam cause I need my contacts, but I won't let them dialate my eyes. I have to be in teh right frame of mind for the eye doctor. I have no problem going to a general practioner if I get a UTI or respiratory infection, or need a flu shot. I know I'm shooting myself in the foot because there is a strong possibility that my kidneys are already failing, and I'm ignoring the symptoms. Severe family history with that. Just selective with which doctors I go to. And for the most part, the care is satisfactory. Nothing overly elaborate, but satisfactory.

Emily - posted on 08/01/2009

I agree that insurance companies are more the problem. Yes, there are good and not good doctors...there are good and not good teachers...there are good and not good police officers...good and not good nurses...the list goes on. That is the way it is when dealing with people. I also believe that not enough patients select doctors as carefully as they should. A doctor needs to be seleted based on your personal circumstance, it is important to choose a doc that will be compassionate to your circumstances and respect your core beliefs and values. Any doctor that I very carefully selected I have been incredibly happy with. Anyone that I went to out of covenience...no horrible experience but they didn't give me what I needed as their patient. Can't just open the insurance book and pick a doc!

Mary - posted on 08/01/2009

Well...as Traci said, there are good and bad doc's out there, just like in any other profession. I work with some who are incredible, and some who are mediocre. Couple of things I would like to point out, though. With OB's...I am constantly amazed at the number of women who have very strong feelings/desires about things like pain management, inductions, episiotomys, forceps/vacuums, etc, and yet...they have never had a real discussion with their doc about their preferences...they just come in to the hospital with their birth plans, and are surprised to learn that their OB may not be on the same page that they are! Ummm...WHY did you not go over this birth plan with the person most involved in helping you implement it?? Yes, there are a number of OB's out there who really prefer to induce everyone at 39 weeks, will bully pt's into an epidural b/c unmedicated births are less controlled, will start pitocins at the drop of a hat to "speed things up a bit", and are quick to cut if things aren't progressing...for MANY US women, they are fine with a lot of that...they like being able to "plan" their delivery date or are simply sick of being pregnant, and don't want to feel a thing while laboring. BUT, if that is NOT what you want, it's partly your own fault if you haven't discussed all of this with your doc beforehand. Once you are in labor, it's too late to switch providers. it is your responsibilty to ASK questions, and discuss your preferences CLEARLY before the big day, and make sure you are on the same page...while you still have the option of finding another OB if you're not. As a healthcare consumer, it is our responsibilty to research providers the same way you would, say, a new car...after all, you are paying for this! ASK questions...what is you r C/S rate? How do you feel about unmedicated births? Do you often use forceps/vacuum? Do you always use pitocin to augment labor?



Another thought...just b/c a doc is "nice" does NOT mean proficient. I hear what a lot of you are saying about surgeons...worked in cardiac surgery for 6 years, and OH, the egos!! However, most surgeons are what I would classify as "socially retarded"...they are GREAT surgeons, but really have difficulty interacting with their patients when they are awake. Way I see it, I need you to fix what is wrong with me, not be my friend. I wouldn't tolerate obnoxious or condescending behavior, and you WILL take the time to answer my questions, but I don't NEED you to hold my hand. Ideally , they would do both, but those doc's are few and far between.



A suggestion to those of you searching for a new doc...call the L&D nurse's station late evening, and ask a nurse who she would recommend. Ethically, I can't say anything bad about an OB who practices there, but I can tell you I go to, and who most of our nurses use...same with a ped...we see who's good, and who's not so great.

Traci - posted on 07/31/2009

I think it's just like any other profession out there (minus lawyers, lol)...there's good, there's bad, there's mediocre. I've never had a bad doc, except while in the military, they like to tell you to take a couple Advil and walk it off! lol



I don't think doctors are greedy. They have such a tough job. They go to college, then to medical school, then intern for so long, and then they get to pay off their medical school bills until they are 60 in the meantime paying ridiculous malpractice insurance rates, in fear of being sued at whim, and to top it all off, they get stiffed for payments. It all depends on what kind of doctor, too, I suppose.



I think the reason there is so much cynism is because life isn't perfect. Everybody's got a story about someone who screwed them, whether it be a doctor, a teacher, a mechanic, a shop owner, a roofer, whatever. That's life.

Sharon - posted on 07/31/2009

I have a LOT more horror stories but those were off the top of my head. There are good doctors out there. I've met them. But due to crazy HMOs and other BS they are out of reach. And who has the money to hop from doctor to doctor looking for a good one? and if you're on an HMO - sometimes you're not allowed to change doctors at all.

Sharon - posted on 07/31/2009

When I was 15 I was in an accident and the doctors told me I couldn't have kids. I wonder they are liable for child support now?

Sharon - posted on 07/31/2009

Back in April my daughter got violently in the ill in the car. SCREAMING & crying that her head hurt and vomiting. I rushed to the ER. A catscan, spinal tap, half a dozen blood draws, urine sample, etc, etc, etc, they told me she had an ear infection. Pardon me but aren't her ears suppoesd to hurt? She has NEVER complained that her ears hurt.



I took her to the pediatrician. He found no indicators of an ear infection. They lied. They made something up to justify all the insanely expensive tests. I would have been ok if they had said, "I'm sorry but we can't find anything." But lying?? Not having that.

Sharon - posted on 07/31/2009

hhmm another one after a car accident in which I swallowed some windshield glass we went to the Emergency Room. My vitals were taken by a nurse who's hands were so shakey she gave up and asked me to take my pulse. I was grumpy and said I didn't get paid for that. She MADE SOMETHING UP. She also got my blood pressure wrong.



I sat in the ER for THIRTEEN hours surrounded by sick people vomiting and shivering and talking in their delirium because I was told that the glass I swallowed would shred my intestines.



At the 9th hour they got me into x-ray. at the 10th hour I got a room which after 30 minutes I started calling all my friends in other states. At the 13th hour a TECH came to tell me that glass doesn't show up on x-ray and after all those hours of waiting - it was probably through my digestive tract already and there was nothing they could do.



They sent me a bill. I filed a lawsuit.

Erin - posted on 07/31/2009

Esther thank you for posting this. I've had this thought too many times to count since joining COMs. I work as a Medical Receptionist so deal with doctors all day every day. And I agree with you. This absurd cynicism that doctor's are bias, corrupt and on the take from the drug companies is getting old. Yes they get paid a decent amount of money, but for the responsibility they have and hours they work, so they should. I would not want their job for any amount of money in the world, to be honest.

The GPs I work for come in to the surgery at 7am to catch up on paperwork and reading. They start seeing patients at 8.30, start house calls at 12.30, then restart afternoon surgery at 2pm. Their last appointment is 5pm but rarely are they out of the office before 7pm. Then they take home reading and any reports that need doing.

Knowing the amount of reading they do and lectures they go to so they keep up-to-date I DO NOT understand why people are so quick to badmouth doctors and they're training/knowledge. I watch these doctors make diagnoses almost every day that save someone's life, and think if you find the RIGHT doctor for you and your family you have every reason to trust that they have your best interests at heart.

Sharon - posted on 07/31/2009

Um because when you go to see a doctor and he belittles you and puts you down when you came despite embarassment for his help and he leaves the room without helping but for damn sure sends a bill.



You get a little cynical.

Lindsay - posted on 07/31/2009

I have to say that the only bad doctor experiences I have had were the few times I've had to go to the ER in the middle of the night. As far as my OBGYN or the kids' pediatrician, I couldn't be more happy. They are great ladies! In fact, my most horrific experience in the ER was just a few days before Madeline turned 1. She had been having a little bit of "runny" diapers and I could tell she wasn't feeling well. It was a Sunday morning and Josh went to get her out of her crib and brought her to me in a panic. She was awake but her lips and fingers were purple. We immediately rushed to the hospital and when we finally saw a doctor and told him about her not feeling well and having diarrhea, he simply told us she was cold. She wasn't cold, she's very warm natured and was sleeping in very warm pjs and was still off color when we got there and she had on 2 layers of clothes, a coat, and sockhat(It was Jan./Feb.). Anyhow, (sorry this is long but it does have a point! =) we went home and watched her closely and were expecting to take her into the Dr. the next day when they opened. She began vomiting and was just miserable. I gave her pedialyte and anything I could until we could get in that office. When we say her doc, she immediately got us to the hospital as Madeline was extremely dehydrated. When we told her about the ER just the day before she said that the change in her color was a sign of dehydration and that doc should have caught it. She also gave us her cell and home phone # (they are unlisted) and told us if we ever needed to go to the ER again to call her first and she will do what she can.

That's just my long winded example of how much I think of our doctors but for anyone who is unhappy with their current doctor and doesn't feel like they could be trusted, just switch! =)

ME - posted on 07/31/2009

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVED my obgyn during my first pregnancy. Unfortunately, she belonged to a large practice, and whomever was on-call was the doc who delivered you. THE ONLY one out of the 12 docs I didn't like at her practice was the one on call when I went into labor. I was horrified. I hated him SO much...but there wasn't anything I could do at that point. I moved to IL in Nov., so I had to find a new doc for baby #2, and I am struggling to find one I like :(

I also LOVE my sons pediatrician, and am so grateful to have found her on the first try. I don't understand peoples anger with doctors when it is obviously the insurance co's that make everyone's lives more difficult in the US. It's one of the reasons we so desperately need health care reform and a gov't sponsored option here!

JL - posted on 07/31/2009

My grandfather is a retired doctor and he was and still is fabulous. My grandfather was the man who established the blue code system in the Huntsville medical system. Even though he is retired he took the time and money to start a non profit free clinic. He is very well known by the medical community in Alabama and highly respected so he used that to his advantage and has gotten a number of medical specialists to donate their time and equipment at his free medical clinic.



As with every field you are going to sometimes encounter a crappy person but that should not form your image of every doctor. Both of my OBGYNs were great and my family practioner who treats my daughter and me is wonderful and I adore my son's pediatrician. I have had some crappy doctors but I get my medical care through the US military and we have a patient rights advocate in every military hosptial so if you don't like your doctor they will find you a new one who you are happy with in a jiffy. Just rememeber that doctors try to do thier best..they are not saints, all knowing, they can make mistakes, and if your a patient who comes in with an attitude it is hard for them to give you the care you deserve.

Sapphire - posted on 07/31/2009

QUOTING: Lisa Moreau (10:02 am)

My OBGYN that I had with my first child induces and searches for an excuse to induce EVERY single one of her mothers so that the babies are all born 9-5, Monday through Friday.



OMG! My friend had the same experience! When she went in for a 38 week check with a nurse practioner, they wanted to admit her ASAP and induce within the hour because her OB was already at the hospital. She simply asked if she, or the baby was in danger. If there was a critical issue, she would consent. No critical issue other than she was already starting to dialate, and slightly elevated BP. My friend went another 6-7 days before she naturally went into labor. Then found a new doctor.

Sara - posted on 07/31/2009

My OB doc was a freakshow (very strict), but I had complications so I got to know him pretty well and he got to know me, so when it came time for the birth we were on the same page for sure. I do not believe he ever did anything to me that didn't need to be done, he always seemed to have my, and my baby's, best interest at heart. I would say that is true in most of the experiences I've had with doctors. My Ped is wonderful, my GP is wonderful. I'm sure there are women that have had bad experiences, it takes all kinds for sure. But it does seem like some people have this overall mistrust for doctors and popular medicine. I think alternative medicine is fine, but at the end of the day your doctor is putting their license on the line to treat you, so I understand why a lot of them frown on "alternative" procedures. I think that one of the biggest problems we have in the US is malpractice. Absolutely doctors should be held accountable if they injure you, but I think a lot of doctors do things with a "defensive" mentality because in the back of their mind they think "Could I get sued if I don't do this?". Healthcare costs in this country are through the roof because doctors do tests that they know aren't necessary, but they do it to cover their asses. That's my take on it anyway...I don't think doctors as a rule are out to make every penny they can (although I'm sure they are out there).

Dana - posted on 07/31/2009

Jenny, how true about surgeons. They're like engineer's, their mind works a little different than your average Joe, but with great results for the rest of us.

Jenny - posted on 07/31/2009

Also in Canada and have had great experiences. My doctor gave me her home number when I got close to my due date just in case. With standard rates for different levels of doctors we avoid (but not completely) the greed factor I think. I have noticed a big difference between surgeons and my GP for bedside manner. I think it takes a different mindset to be a surgeon though so I don't take it personal, they are more of a mechanic to me.



Here is a website I LOVE for checking in to doctors http://www.ratemds.com/social/

Alison - posted on 07/31/2009

The doctors are not to blame, it's the insurance companies and the system.

Minnie - posted on 07/31/2009

I'm sure it depends on the doctor. My OBGYN that I had with my first child induces and searches for an excuse to induce EVERY single one of her mothers so that the

babies are all born 9-5, Monday through Friday. She also induced me with cytotec, without informing me of the hazards of that drug, or that the FDA has warned that it is NOT to be used for inductions.



The pediatrician we went to was completely clueless as to the normal course of breastfeeding and how an exclusively breastfed infant grows. They also have no care in regards to the emotional security of the babies when they're naked and cold in unfamiliar surroundings.



>My current pediatrician supports our alternative vaccination schedule and actually advocated that we not get a couple of them. And he fully supports how I breastfeed my children.



All in all, I personally, trust my own judgement, intuition, and ability to carry out adequate research over a doctor's knowledge. Most doctors receive their infant nutrition education from formula and baby-food companies. I'd have to say that they aren't a really reliable source for breastfeeding knowledge.

Chantel - posted on 07/31/2009

I live in Canada so free healthcare!! Yea!! lol. But I'd like to know about those doctors some people talk about too. Mine have all been great. Also, some of the women on here talk about hospitals like they're houses of horrors and I gotta say I had a great hospital!! On e thing I hate is when someone disagrees with a doctors opinion so will tell the OP " well, you need a different doctor because he's wrong"!! Hello!! He is a DOCTOR!! And you're not!!

Dana - posted on 07/31/2009

I don't think they're all greedy or evil but some may be. My OBGYN wanted to turn my baby around manually when he was breech. I told him no b/c there are complications. He didn't listen to alot of my concerns during my pregnancy and didn't listen to me then, he walked out of the room telling me to think about it some more. Luckily I still didn't let him b/c it wouldn't have worked anyhow, I have a Biconuate uterus and there was no room to move. I could have had SERIOUS complications had he done it. I felt like he wanted to do it for experience and money. I ended up having my son at another hospital with another doctor but when I went in for my six week check-up he still didn't realize my conditon until I told him and then he looked at the papers the other hospital sent. He then told me he was going to do a test, injecting my uterus with dye and getting pictures, even though the other doctor described what was going on with my uterus and what it looked like. I never went back. Ironically, I live in the U.S. and he's Romanian but went to school here. The whole time he was my doctor I got the impression from him that he knew best and I was an ignorant little girl, I was 31 yrs old. I am in NO way saying anything bad about foreign doctors by the way. Other than that though, I've had excellant care with doctors

Sapphire - posted on 07/31/2009

QUOTING: Jessica Huffaker (9:26 am)

I think the true greedy bastards are the pharm companies, the doctors just need to learn to avoid their allure :).



I agree with you there! The drug companies are more evil than the insurance companies!

Jenifer - posted on 07/31/2009

I've noticed that sentiment as well, and I think it has a lot to do with what a mess our healthcare system is at the moment in the US. When doctors are getting paid by the procedure, and not for their bedside manner, I can see how people might perceive things that way. I have no problem with doctors - although from my university experience, I don't have a very high opinion of pre-med students. I trust that my son's doctor though,has enough education and experience to know what she's talking about. And if I didn't trust her, I'd be out finding a new doctor.

Jessica - posted on 07/31/2009

I don't have a problem with doctors in general, I do think that some of them get a god complex and get pissed when they are questioned. I am personally thankful that we have doctors, if something ever happened to someone in my family I pray that they have an excellent doctor. I think where the problem lies is when people choose an alternative to medicine.

My parents are chiropractic naturopaths so we don't go to the doctor often but when we need to my ped is very accepting of our different beliefs which I am very thankful for.

I think the true greedy bastards are the pharm companies, the doctors just need to learn to avoid their allure :).

Sapphire - posted on 07/31/2009

Part of the equation is private insurance who are idiots behind a desk TELLING the doctors how to treat a patient. I had an amazing fertility doctor from India, or maybe it was Pakistan. She spoke very slow and deliberate, and we also listened carefully. Her bedside manner & treatments were wonderful. BUT, limited by what the insurance company (Aetna) provides us. Once coverage runs out, we're on our own financially. At least with my expereince, she was not a money hungry doctor and the office manager would have worked with us on teh financial end. Same with my plastic surgeon. I visited other offices for an estimate on my procedure and noted the money hungry difference. I not only went with the doctor with the best reputation and who made me feel 100% comfortable, he was hundreds of dollars cheaper. I suppose you'll always have that money hungry greed in any type of a business. Think about car dealerships. The identical car with exact features could be thousands of dollars differenet at 2 separate dealerships.

Sarah - posted on 07/31/2009

I completely agree with you Esther! Maybe again it's because i live in the UK and we have the NHS, but i sure take my doctors advice over anything anyone can dig up on Google.

I think the majority of the time doctors do a fantastic job!

Maybe it's different in the US?

Maybe this another example of why an NHS type system would be a good thing?

At least i always know my doctors aren't trying to make money out of me in some way! :)