Physician success stories don’t make it to the newspaper

Jim almost convinced me.  The burning in his chest, after all, could have just been gastroesophageal reflux.  He assured me that the sensation was nothing new; that he got it from time to time after a large meal and took Tums.  I couldn’t, however, ignore that it seemed to worsen with activity.  The pain was bothersome enough to drag him into my office, without taking the time to make an appointment. Jim and I argued over the EKG.  He wanted to take his prescription and go home.  No hospitalization, no blood tests, no diagnostic studies.  I grabbed his shoulder, and did my best to convince him to reconsider.  He slowly turned back toward the exam room.  A few minutes later, I gulped as I looked down at the electrocardiogram.  He was having a heart attack.  Right there in my office.  We called an ambulance and rushed him to the ER. Jim’s story is nothing new.  I can recall countless episodes of personal beliefs contradicting my strongly held suspicions as a clinician.  I have begged, pleaded, and occasionally dragged unwilling patients back to the office or into the emergency room. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs