[gemy]

CKC radio one - interview discussion - with one ER doc, a resident, and another MD.


So the discussion here was on do you BS patients, if so, why so, and do you know of other doctors who do this?


I only caught the tail end of the program, but the subject matter popped my eyes a bit. I never thought that a doc would actually give a BS diagnosis just to get a patient out of the exam room.......


But apparently this ER doc does do this - rationale time saving for him and the ER. No harm done according to him.


Other reasons given, is to help secure patient confidence in the doctor, as apparently there is some positive association between confidence and improved patient outcomes.


I wonder how others feel about this?


When I worked in traditional health care field, it was hard enough for patients to actually get the name of their condition correct, and they had little idea of what they were actually diagnosed with. To me it is very dangerous indeed to give a BS diagnosis, as there actually just might be something going on that in your *cursory* if it was cursory examination, did not bring to light an immediate diagnosis. And also if that self-same patient seeks rehab you have a suspect diagnosis, that the next treating health practioner has no idea about.


I see nothing wrong with a Doc telling me, as of yet, I can't pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms, but here is a go forward plan. And yes, I do know that there is pressure placed upon the Doc to come up with a diagnosis to support coverage for certain workplace injuries, and or for private insurance coverage.


What are your thoughts as a layperson, would you like to be given a BS diagnosis?