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Having worked in a medical office, I can tell you that you need at least a second contact for when that first one isn't available, e.g. DH went to Home Depot.
This. Or, another person who wasn't in the house fire or the car accident. I've always been asked for at least one alternative. IMHO its a reasonable question, not a violation of privacy.
I had to fill out the long and invasive thing online for the DENTIST. I got fed up about halfway through and half-@ssed it, which will probably let them off the hook if they kill me. But how likely is that at the dentist?
At the new PCP appointment, the only thing they kept asking my husband and myself was if we had ever done crack?!?!?! The dr asked this question so many times, begging us to tell him the truth because he had patients who had done crack and were having all kinds of problems decades later, that it was weird. No, no crack. I bet he asks again next time. If there is a next time; none of our PCPs last more than a year here.
Last week I went to a first visit with a new PCP. My previous doctor had retired and I received a letter from the administration stating that this doctor was willing to take over as my new primary care physician. I expected the transfer to go smoothly, as both doctors were in the same group.
Well, it seemed ok at first. A little gal pretending to be a "nurse" (her tag clearly stated CNA), came in and started asking the usual, routine questions, like allergies, past surgeries, etc, etc, although I had filled out an extensive, online questionnaire addressing those exact same issues and sent it in several days in advance. Whatever.....
Then, without hardly taking a breath, "nurse" starts asking a lot of, what I considered bizarre questions. First question, she asked "do I have a permanent residence"? Huh...this is a college town, and at first I thought she was asking if I lived in a dorm or something, but hey, I'm 65 years old! I asked what she meant, she replied, like it was a legitimate, everyday question," oh, that means are you homeless"? WTH
I replied I own my home, free and clear. By now I'm getting a bit agitated, but, whatever.....
Next question,
"Who do you live with"? I replied its just my husband and me.....I thought perhaps I should also include the dog and three cats, but hey..
Next question,
"Who would you call upon if needed for assistance in a medical emergency"? Well, my husband...
Then she asks, in a very officious tone, well, who else? We need three names"?
By now I was quite agitated. They don't need any names, and I'm certainly not giving them a list they can do whatever with..
I then told her I find these questions intrusive. Before I answer any more, why are you asking such? Her reply, oh, that's so, if I have any concerns, they can refer me to appropriate agencies, such as, if I'm homeless, they can refer me to Social Services, etc.
Oh, really? They care so much about me they stand ready, willing, and able to solve all my problems? I felt the whole thing was a major invasion of privacy. I felt they were doing a background check, to see if I would be a potential problem for them and their practice. She then says "oh, you don't have to answer any questions if you don't want to". I felt like saying you got that right!
She then proceeds to skip a series of questions, muttering to herself --refused, refused, refused. I didn't even know what I was refusing!
She then gets to her last "question" and asks "do you have any problems that would make active participation in your own healthcare difficult?" I asked her did this practice anticipate any problems dealing with me, because it seems these questions are aimed to screen potential patients out."
There again, little play nurse just says, well, you don't have to answer anything you feel uncomfortable with" Then she says she will answer that question with " patient has mobility issues which makes it difficult to exercise". Well, that much is true, but its such a blanket statement and not even my own words.
I was frustrated almost to the point of tears and felt like walking out, but I kept control and told myself I wouldn't let her and her stupid little check list cheat me out of what I was there for---to establish with a new PCP. Also, I'm almost out of various RX and needed refills.
Well, doctor came in and she seemed ok, but I was already agitated and not pre-disposed to liking her. The visit went well enough, and I did get my refills, but I would feel better seeing someone else. Problem is, who? Try finding a new doctor! You're viewed with suspicion and hostility. Its not like I'm some dope head "seeking" narcotics, I just needed things like refills on blood pressure, blood sugar meds, etc.
Although I was a new patient to her, I had been seeing doctors in her practice for about ten years. No, I don't "doctor hop" My previous doctors there had either quit or retired, moved, etc. They were the ones "hopping around" not me.
I was referred to her by the administration, via letter, which stated clearly, Dr A will be leaving our practice. Dr B has agreed to continue with your care.
I realize the questions I was asked were some sort of standard survey they ask every new patient, they weren't made special just for me, but at the same time I felt this particular doctor was screening her new patients for potential trouble-makers.
Sorry this rant is so long, but I am so upset. I tell myself to give it time, see this doctor again in 3 months and see how I goes, but perhaps look around for someone else.
Is this something new? Has anyone else been asked such questions lately?
Replies, appreciated!
The questions were standard, for sure, not just for you - it's quite a leap and a little paranoid to go to the extreme where you think they are screening out "troublemakers" and have gone to the trouble to target you. Have you been labled a "troublemaker" by a doctor before? (Just wondering what would make you think they would think that of you)?
The questions were standard, for sure, not just for you - it's quite a leap and a little paranoid to go to the extreme where you think they are screening out "troublemakers" and have gone to the trouble to target you. Have you been labled a "troublemaker" by a doctor before? (Just wondering what would make you think they would think that of you)?
Read what I said--
I realize the questions I was asked were some sort of standard survey they ask every new patient, they weren't made special just for me, but at the same time I felt this particular doctor was screening her new patients for potential trouble-makers.
When I refer to her as a "play nurse" I'm not suggesting the CNA tried in any way to pass herself off as an RN. It was the doctor's practice itself that hires CNA'S to do the work an RN should be doing. Its the office that's "playing games"
Such questionnaires and whatever analysis of the data should be handled by trained professionals. I'm sorry, but a CNA is NOT a medical professional. They should realize such questioning can be threatening, especially when handled by someone not proficient in interviewing techniques. This particular CNA was on a power kick. She had a way to make patients uncomfortable, and was riding high on it.
When a doctor leaves too much of the initial screening to office staff, there's a communication gap. I was irritated that I had been in there 15 min and not been asked a single question pertaining to my specific medical issues. For example, she handed me a sheet with my current prescriptions and asked is everything correct? To which I responded yes, because it was correct. However it was not complete. A very significant drug I take, Methotrexate, was not included on their list. I didn't see that omission. It would have been better to ask me what prescriptions I currently take. That's how most doctor's offices I've been to do it. Probably she wasn't comfortable asking me to specify what medicines I take, because she probably doesn't know how to spell them!
Then, when to doctor finally did come in, she looked at my meds and assumed it was correct and complete because that function had been passed off to an office clerk. It was only in a discussion with the doctor the omission was noticed. she said something to the effect of oh, you take methotrexate? Its not noted here, did you just start taking it? No, I've been on it for about 20 years! She then stated oh, usually the CNA is very good....but then updated my chart.
I just feel doctors shouldn't delegate part of what is, essentially their job, to office staff. By the time the doctor came into the picture, she had a patient who was agitated, and an incomplete history. BTW, I've dealt with several other doctors in this group practice and have never had a CNA do an initial evaluation, history, etc. The most that level of staff does in vital signs, escort patient to room, go over basics of chart, like do you still live at same address, insurance still the same, etc.
Very strange
However, I felt the doctor was good enough for a PCP, and do want all my providers under the same umbrella, which makes information sharing easier. No need to chase test results, etc, around from one facility to another.
My main purpose of this thread -- other than a long-winded rant -- is to see if other people have encountered similar procedures. Is this something new, or did I just encounter a strange procedure?
No need to reply back attacking me that I somehow don't know how to behave in a doctor's office. I know how to control my temper and the visit ended fairly well. Just left me with a strange feeling...
When I refer to her as a "play nurse" I'm not suggesting the CNA tried in any way to pass herself off as an RN. It was the doctor's practice itself that hires CNA'S to do the work an RN should be doing. Its the office that's "playing games"
Such questionnaires and whatever analysis of the data should be handled by trained professionals. I'm sorry, but a CNA is NOT a medical professional. They should realize such questioning can be threatening, especially when handled by someone not proficient in interviewing techniques. This particular CNA was on a power kick. She had a way to make patients uncomfortable, and was riding high on it.
When a doctor leaves too much of the initial screening to office staff, there's a communication gap. I was irritated that I had been in there 15 min and not been asked a single question pertaining to my specific medical issues.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryleeII
I was frustrated almost to the point of tears and felt like walking out, but I kept control and told myself I wouldn't let her and her stupid little check list cheat me out of what I was there for---to establish with a new PCP.
You're blaming the wrong person. That wasn't the CNA's checklist; the doctor made it. She was just an employee trying to do her job.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryleeII
For example, she handed me a sheet with my current prescriptions and asked is everything correct? To which I responded yes, because it was correct. However it was not complete. A very significant drug I take, Methotrexate, was not included on their list.
___
Then, when to doctor finally did come in, she looked at my meds and assumed it was correct and complete because that function had been passed off to an office clerk. It was only in a discussion with the doctor the omission was noticed. she said something to the effect of oh, you take methotrexate? Its not noted here, did you just start taking it? No, I've been on it for about 20 years! She then stated oh, usually the CNA is very good....but then updated my chart.
When the CNA asked you if everything was correct, you should have answered, "Yes, except one medication is missing," and then told her about the Methotrexate. You were the one that caused the confusion, not the CNA.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryleeII
BTW, I've dealt with several other doctors in this group practice and have never had a CNA do an initial evaluation, history, etc.
I think it's pretty common these days to have a nurse or whatever do the initial evaluation. At least in my experience it is. This frees the doctor up for tasks that require more training
Quote:
Originally Posted by MaryleeII
My main purpose of this thread -- other than a long-winded rant -- is to see if other people have encountered similar procedures. Is this something new, or did I just encounter a strange procedure?
It seems to be the new normal. I didn't get all the questions you did, but I have been asked about my sexual orientation, whether or not I use street drugs, and what way do I learn best. (Huh?) My guess is that doctors have started asking these questions because sometimes important concerns get overlooked when people are embarrassed or afraid to bring some things up, but I do agree with you that they feel strange and intrusive. Personally, I'd rather they not ask questions like that.
Last edited by Angry-Koala; 02-02-2020 at 11:58 PM..
Location: Was Midvalley Oregon; Now Eastside Seattle area
13,073 posts, read 7,515,583 times
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My pcp, urinary, and cardio physicians all ask these questions annually, calendar year. I mark only what has changed and write more that on the paper work. If they ask in person, I say has nothing changed from last visit, which may have a couple of months ago, but different year. .
My biggest issue with the visits, is that they insist on taking my weight. I ask them with or without shoes, my coat, my change, keys, and what lint I have in my pockets. They always say, "it doesn't matter" Then I say" for my records", I remove all the stuff down to my gym clothes and reweigh. A miraculous 6- 8# weight loss.
OP I had a similar situation when my preferred doctor of 20 years retired. The new doctor was very condescending, demanding I follow certain rules and do mandatory screenings and shots etc. I told him to look at the charts the old doctor sent over about my allergic reactions to certain medicines and shots. He said he didn't care and we were to start over from scratch. He then gave me a work order for some shots, which I am allergic to, so I took the paperwork went to the front desk handed them to the receptionist and walked out.
Later I googled that doctor and his reviews were bad, many citing the same situation I had with him.
I later found a new doctor that I like very much.
I joined Kaiser last year and there was a simple yes/no questionnaire in the room that I was asked to fill out. It's sole purpose was to let me alert staff if I needed help, was I afraid of or being hurt by someone, or required social services. To me it was very odd but this is the world we live in today.
Last week I went to a first visit with a new PCP. My previous doctor had retired and I received a letter from the administration stating that this doctor was willing to take over as my new primary care physician. I expected the transfer to go smoothly, as both doctors were in the same group.
Well, it seemed ok at first. A little gal pretending to be a "nurse" (her tag clearly stated CNA), came in and started asking the usual, routine questions, like allergies, past surgeries, etc, etc, although I had filled out an extensive, online questionnaire addressing those exact same issues and sent it in several days in advance. Whatever.....
Then, without hardly taking a breath, "nurse" starts asking a lot of, what I considered bizarre questions. First question, she asked "do I have a permanent residence"? Huh...this is a college town, and at first I thought she was asking if I lived in a dorm or something, but hey, I'm 65 years old! I asked what she meant, she replied, like it was a legitimate, everyday question," oh, that means are you homeless"? WTH
I replied I own my home, free and clear. By now I'm getting a bit agitated, but, whatever.....
Next question,
"Who do you live with"? I replied its just my husband and me.....I thought perhaps I should also include the dog and three cats, but hey..
Next question,
"Who would you call upon if needed for assistance in a medical emergency"? Well, my husband...
Then she asks, in a very officious tone, well, who else? We need three names"?
By now I was quite agitated. They don't need any names, and I'm certainly not giving them a list they can do whatever with..
I then told her I find these questions intrusive. Before I answer any more, why are you asking such? Her reply, oh, that's so, if I have any concerns, they can refer me to appropriate agencies, such as, if I'm homeless, they can refer me to Social Services, etc.
Oh, really? They care so much about me they stand ready, willing, and able to solve all my problems? I felt the whole thing was a major invasion of privacy. I felt they were doing a background check, to see if I would be a potential problem for them and their practice. She then says "oh, you don't have to answer any questions if you don't want to". I felt like saying you got that right!
She then proceeds to skip a series of questions, muttering to herself --refused, refused, refused. I didn't even know what I was refusing!
She then gets to her last "question" and asks "do you have any problems that would make active participation in your own healthcare difficult?" I asked her did this practice anticipate any problems dealing with me, because it seems these questions are aimed to screen potential patients out."
There again, little play nurse just says, well, you don't have to answer anything you feel uncomfortable with" Then she says she will answer that question with " patient has mobility issues which makes it difficult to exercise". Well, that much is true, but its such a blanket statement and not even my own words.
I was frustrated almost to the point of tears and felt like walking out, but I kept control and told myself I wouldn't let her and her stupid little check list cheat me out of what I was there for---to establish with a new PCP. Also, I'm almost out of various RX and needed refills.
Well, doctor came in and she seemed ok, but I was already agitated and not pre-disposed to liking her. The visit went well enough, and I did get my refills, but I would feel better seeing someone else. Problem is, who? Try finding a new doctor! You're viewed with suspicion and hostility. Its not like I'm some dope head "seeking" narcotics, I just needed things like refills on blood pressure, blood sugar meds, etc.
Although I was a new patient to her, I had been seeing doctors in her practice for about ten years. No, I don't "doctor hop" My previous doctors there had either quit or retired, moved, etc. They were the ones "hopping around" not me.
I was referred to her by the administration, via letter, which stated clearly, Dr A will be leaving our practice. Dr B has agreed to continue with your care.
I realize the questions I was asked were some sort of standard survey they ask every new patient, they weren't made special just for me, but at the same time I felt this particular doctor was screening her new patients for potential trouble-makers.
Sorry this rant is so long, but I am so upset. I tell myself to give it time, see this doctor again in 3 months and see how I goes, but perhaps look around for someone else.
Is this something new? Has anyone else been asked such questions lately?
Replies, appreciated!
Are there any more doctors in the practice that you can change to? My GP has a bunch of doctors. When mine left I saw one or 2 before finding the one I decided to go with. All of my doctors are in the same university medical group. It's very convenient.
It also drives me nuts when they don't read the paperwork you filled out.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teacher Terry
That’s bizarre. It seems once you turn 65 they get very intrusive.
That's what the questions sound like to me, an age thing. I had been given a Medicare form a few years ago that was intrusive. I never handed it in.
Quote:
Originally Posted by wit-nit
OP I had a similar situation when my preferred doctor of 20 years retired. The new doctor was very condescending, demanding I follow certain rules and do mandatory screenings and shots etc. I told him to look at the charts the old doctor sent over about my allergic reactions to certain medicines and shots. He said he didn't care and we were to start over from scratch. He then gave me a work order for some shots, which I am allergic to, so I took the paperwork went to the front desk handed them to the receptionist and walked out.
Later I googled that doctor and his reviews were bad, many citing the same situation I had with him.
I later found a new doctor that I like very much.
I have a lot of medication allergies. I did the shingles vaccine, was allergic to it.
I used to have a doc that I made that listed all my spine treatments, surgeries as well as medication allergies. When I saw a new pain management doctor she didn't seem to believe all of my side effects, etc. She tried an antidepressant on me which backfired, so did Lyrica and Morphine. She finally was satisfied I was telling thew truth.
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Whatever.....
Then I say" for my records", I remove all the stuff down to my gym clothes and reweigh. A miraculous 6- 8# weight loss.
