Thursday 25 June 2015

Doctor-patient relationship: What do doctors expect from their patients


Doctor-patient relationship: What do doctors expect from their patients

1st July in India is observed as Doctor’s day in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr B C Roy whose birthday and death anniversaries fall on the same day.

Although well-informed choices have raised the expectations of patients from their doctors, the medical professionals too have some expectations from their patients.

·         Just like a patient has the right to choose his doctor so does a doctor. MCI Code of Ethics Regulations 2.1.1 states: “A physician is not bound to treat each and every person asking his services.” In non emergent situations, the doctor has a right to choose his patients.
·         As per MCI Code of Ethics Regulations 3.3 Punctuality in Consultation, a patient expects his doctor should be punctual. The doctor expects the same from his/her patient.
·         A doctor has a right to choose his fee as long as it is transparent and displayed, says Regulation 3.7.1 of MCI Code of Ethics. 
·         Regulation 6.4.1 does not allow a doctor to give rebates.
·         Patients should be truthful about their past medical history, about smoking, alcohol, drugs and high risk behaviors etc.
·         Patients should pay doctor’s fee in time.
·         Patients should bring all their medical records each time they come for a check up or follow up.
·         It is ethical to charge a fee each time a patient is seen.
·         Patients should know that if a doctor has referred them to a particular lab for a test, it does not mean that it is linked to commission. Different labs have different facilities.
·         Doctors do not like to be disturbed by calls on mobiles in non emergent situations.
·         Patients should always have a designated person to take briefings from the doctor in a hospital setting.
·         If the doctor fills wrong information in the Mediclaim form, he/she can be imprisoned in jail.
·         A doctor can be imprisoned if he/she gives a false medical certificate.
·         A doctor can be imprisoned if he/she gives a false medical certificate for your child for not attending classes.
·         Patients should know that error of judgment is not negligence.
·         Patients should know that difference of opinion is not negligence.
·         Patients should know that deviation from standard practice is not negligence.
·         Sudden death in a hospital does not mean negligence.
·         Patients should know that a doctor is not required to possess maximum skill and knowledge. He/she is only supposed to possess an average degree of skill and knowledge.
·         Patients should know that medical accidents do not mean negligence.
·         The very fact that insurance companies allow doctors to be covered under indemnity insurance for deficiency of service or medical negligence, it means that every case of negligence is not criminal in nature.
·         One has to pay a price for quality in life. For example, if you get a fracture and do not get surgery done, then there may be no risk to life. But getting a surgery done for early recovery and better quality of life will always carry some risk.
·         Costly drugs do not mean that they are better. All drugs cleared by federal agencies are safe for human consumption.
·         Hospitals are run by doctors appointed by management. It is not possible for consultants to be physically present in every emergency.
·         No drug is 100% safe
·         Patients should take their medicines as directed and visit as advised by their doctors.

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