Patient Medical Requirements & Requests

I have an appointment this morning with a Dermatologist I've never seen before. The last one I interacted with here in Saratoga was unethical, uncaring and an ego maniac... yep! I actually went back to have a couple of moles removed that she suggested at $300 a pop... OMG!! 

I had melanoma and two surgeries to remove the cancer in 1995. I was advised by the dermatologist I saw at the time that everything was fine and I'm the one who asked that the mole be biopsied. In a nut shell... I don't have a good track record with doctor's being very useful. I have since then gone to see a professional every 6 months for the first five years then every year since... approximately. Based on Chris' referral I made an appointment with Rappaport and just finished reading his "rules"... His office sent out paperwork to complete in advance, which is fine for a new patient situation. I was a bit put off by the tone of the letter, perhaps he gets lots of abuse...? people who don't carry ID or provide their insurance card? or cancel appointments w/o notice or aren't aware they may need a referral for insurance purposes.  The letter got me thinking and so I went online to look for reviews of Dr. Rappaport and it was a mixed bag. Chris just advised me to be patient when I get there, apparently he had to wait for awhile. This got my mind cranking on a different note. I am creating my own Patient Requirements & Requests that I would provide to any doctor I plan to see.

Dear Potential Doctor & Staff,

Welcome to my precious body, mind, spirit. I have successfully survived and thrived for 52 years in this bag of bones and know it quite well. I am intelligent, courteous, kind, curious, informed and respectful. I expect to be treated accordingly.  To avoid any misunderstandings in this regard allow me to be very specific.

1. When making an initial appointment I would appreciate any specific requirements be communicated via personal vocal interaction then followed up with a pleasant reminder.
2. When I arrive on time I expect to be processed and moved into an exam room in a timely fashion. I will not sit in a waiting room or exam room for more than 10 minutes. I will leave. My time is also precious and valuable. If the professional is running late, I must be notified and kept up to date on the new ETA. I may consider waiting or I may choose to reschedule at no additional expense to me... I may bill you... (just kidding!, maybe... =)
3. I am the customer, and all staff should be at least courteous and kind if not pleasant and relate-able. I have choices and respect myself sufficiently to avoid abrupt, rude or thoughtless bad mannered individuals. 
4. An initial visit should be relaxed and amenable not rushed and frantic. I have a relevant history / story which I can relate in a succinct manner. If I get off track, it is also your job, to steer me back to relevant topics. I consider basic communication skills, i.e. a favorable bedside manner a requirement for your profession. Plan to spend at least 15 minutes just talking. Also plan that I will interview you as well to determine whether or not I think you are suitable and qualified to be my trusted medical professional.
5. I require detailed information and explanations for all recommendations and conclusions. I am on the inside team with my medical professionals... radical honesty is required and to be delivered in a tactful manner. Links or recommendations on follow up research, supporting documents, studies and any additional information that would support your decision and my choices is appreciated.
6. I expect all fees to be communicated in advance and be open to consideration and explanation. I don't pretend to understand the intricacies of medical billing and reimbursement but I can spot and will protest a completely insane fee when I see it. (even if insurance pays).
7. I expect the same treatment on all subsequent visits, with the exception of the 15 minute intro/interview.  I do expect you and your staff to review my file so that you are familiar with my situation BEFORE I arrive and spend a few minutes checking in on my experience and/or progress. 
8. Finally I think it's appropriate in this day and age to be available via email to answer questions or concerns that may arise during my research. This would also apply to questions I may have regarding post appointment/treatment or regimen experiences. A 48 hour response time is acceptable and a phone line is even better.

If you are not amenable to my expectations, I completely understand. Our cultural norm is quite divergent from what I've laid out above. That's fine... I can and will find a medical professional who is interested in partnering with me regarding wellness. One who finds my requests as obvious and thoughtful as I do and appreciates a human willing to require respectful as well as informed services.

Please sign here that you and your staff have read and understand my requirements and requests...

Primary Professional Names & Dates
Staff Names & Dates

I'll let you know how it goes over!  =)

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