Sadly, the "Culture Check" part of this is very real. Persons of color tend to do medically better with dcotors who are also persons of color. The bias may be unconscious, but it is there and it does kill.
Thanks, Helene. I know a few people who'll welcome your insights, given your experience as a caregiver for your parents, your son's misdiagnoses and grave illness at 15 and this caught my eye:
"And I’m thrilled to sit on the advisory panels for several major national projects on patient safety and diagnostic error to represent the patient experience. I’m a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and of the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ)."
Could I possibly suggest having a 'hero post' as a header article on your home page - that highlights the 'Why Patient no more mission, yourself, your work and your 'engagement' request' Although I'm based in the UK - these resonated with me!
I just got a new doctor - did have to wait for 4 months for an appt. I looked for a doc who practiced with a team - Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant - so I would have more opportunities to see a practitioner. So far so good.
Another gem, Helene. GREAT content, super graphics, and really really good tips. I learn something every time I read one of your posts!
Your post captures the frustrations so many patients are facing when trying to find a primary care provider. It will be interesting to see how many patients turn to the AI chatbots for the questions they would have asked their PC provider, and how effective this is (or isn't!).
Your advice is sound and would have worked 10-15 years ago when one could select from many PCPs. At least in the Boston metro area, it is almost impossible for a newcomer to find a PCP with an open practice now unless you can afford a concierge practice. Alas.
Thanks, Ed. And yes, of course I mentioned the shortage of practices open to new patients. It's a massive issue but that just means there's more work for the patient to do to find a good PCP. It's easier to find a below average one. Not the point of this post, but of course there are approaches that could solve this problem starting with pay primary care doctors what they're actually worth.
It’s just not pcp but any doctor. So little to choose from. I’ve faced this with specialists and when there’s only one maybe two to pick from you’re screwed trust me I know. Thank you for work on this subject and the advice to go with.
I agree it’s frustrating and irritating and dangerous but it’s always worth it to try and find the best person you can. Sometimes it’s hard to find the energy to do it. When I feel like that, about anything that impacts my health, I try to get a good night’s sleep (not easy for me as I have been an insomniac since I was little) then look at it again in the morning. All we can do today is all we can do.
It is and sad it shouldn’t be this difficult. Even after all that work to find that perfect match they quit and you’re left to start again. Sometimes it’s just not worth it.
Sadly, the "Culture Check" part of this is very real. Persons of color tend to do medically better with dcotors who are also persons of color. The bias may be unconscious, but it is there and it does kill.
Thanks, Helene. I know a few people who'll welcome your insights, given your experience as a caregiver for your parents, your son's misdiagnoses and grave illness at 15 and this caught my eye:
"And I’m thrilled to sit on the advisory panels for several major national projects on patient safety and diagnostic error to represent the patient experience. I’m a member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) and of the Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ)."
Could I possibly suggest having a 'hero post' as a header article on your home page - that highlights the 'Why Patient no more mission, yourself, your work and your 'engagement' request' Although I'm based in the UK - these resonated with me!
I'm not certain I know how to do a "hero post on my homepage"
See my Direct message
I just got a new doctor - did have to wait for 4 months for an appt. I looked for a doc who practiced with a team - Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant - so I would have more opportunities to see a practitioner. So far so good.
That's a great idea! Can I quote you in the chapter so everyone can read that?
Yes
Another gem, Helene. GREAT content, super graphics, and really really good tips. I learn something every time I read one of your posts!
Your post captures the frustrations so many patients are facing when trying to find a primary care provider. It will be interesting to see how many patients turn to the AI chatbots for the questions they would have asked their PC provider, and how effective this is (or isn't!).
Thank you, Mark! And a great idea for another chapter
Your advice is sound and would have worked 10-15 years ago when one could select from many PCPs. At least in the Boston metro area, it is almost impossible for a newcomer to find a PCP with an open practice now unless you can afford a concierge practice. Alas.
Thanks, Ed. And yes, of course I mentioned the shortage of practices open to new patients. It's a massive issue but that just means there's more work for the patient to do to find a good PCP. It's easier to find a below average one. Not the point of this post, but of course there are approaches that could solve this problem starting with pay primary care doctors what they're actually worth.
It’s just not pcp but any doctor. So little to choose from. I’ve faced this with specialists and when there’s only one maybe two to pick from you’re screwed trust me I know. Thank you for work on this subject and the advice to go with.
I agree it’s frustrating and irritating and dangerous but it’s always worth it to try and find the best person you can. Sometimes it’s hard to find the energy to do it. When I feel like that, about anything that impacts my health, I try to get a good night’s sleep (not easy for me as I have been an insomniac since I was little) then look at it again in the morning. All we can do today is all we can do.
Thank you, Gina. That will be Chapter 6. And it’s tricky.
It is and sad it shouldn’t be this difficult. Even after all that work to find that perfect match they quit and you’re left to start again. Sometimes it’s just not worth it.