Communication breakdowns between physicians and patients
A symptom of a big problem with our healthcare system.
I recently found myself in an interesting predicament.
As someone who has long been an advocate for doctors and our healthcare system, I recently found myself in an interesting predicament. I’ve always believed in the expertise of medical professionals, appreciating the challenges they face and defending their efforts in an often-overburdened system. Yet, I completely understand the frustration many people experience when they feel their healthcare needs aren’t being met—or, worse, that they are being ignored. Last month, I had an experience that made me see both sides more clearly, underscoring why many people distrust the system.
It all started with what I assumed would be a routine check-up with my primary care physician (PCP). I wanted to see a dermatologist and had to have an in-person appointment with my PCP to get the referral. As someone with fair skin and lots of freckles, I like to get a yearly skin check to stay on top of any potential issues. This visit, however, quickly took an unexpected turn, illustrating a common yet often overlooked issue in healthcare: poor communication and the anxiety it creates for patients.
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