I have been concerned for awhile now about how patients are not always getting the type of care they want, not even from their LLMD's.

When we are sick, we often don't remember everthing we wanted to say to our docs. The doctor may throw too much information at us, or may not inform us as to why he is prescribing one treatment over another.

The office may be too loud, too cold, the receptionist untrained, the wait too long, the visit too short.

I am proposing, first, that we make a list of things we would like to have from our doctors. Later, I will ask us to think about what we should do in order to make the doctor's job easier. I plan to submit these suggestions to ILADS.

So, first:
-------
What is it about your relationship with your LLMD that you would like to see changed?
-------

1. If we call them, how many days will it take for him to return our calls?

2. If I email him, does this email go into my medical file?

3. Why won't their local blood lab in the office take my blood for a Bowen BLOOD KIT provided & send it to them?

I was wondering if your problem could be solved by bringing a sweater to each office visit. 'Cuz I'm thinking someone else with a low-grade fever is roasting, while you and I would have our teeth chattering

Dear BettyG,

I'm with you regarding your #2 -- my LLMD has no patient email that I know of, and I think most of my best questions come up when I'm not in his office! Even if a PA monitors the emails, it would help a lot.

INFORMATION DISCLOSURE. You have the right to accurate and easily understood information about your health plan, health care professionals, and health care facilities. If you speak another language, have a physical or mental disability, or just don't understand something, assistance will be provided so you can make informed health care decisions.

CHOICE OF PROVIDERS AND PLANS. You have the right to a choice of health care providers that is sufficient to provide you with access to appropriate high-quality health care.

ACCESS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES. If you have severe pain, an injury, or sudden illness that convinces you that your health is in serious jeopardy, you have the right to receive screening and stabilization emergency services whenever and wherever needed, without prior authorization or financial penalty.

PARTICIPATION IN TREATMENT DECISIONS. You have the right to know your treatment options and to participate in decisions about your care. Parents, guardians, family members, or other individuals that you designate can represent you if you cannot make your own decisions.

RESPECT AND NON-DISCRIMINATION. You have a right to considerate, respectful and nondiscriminatory care from your doctors, health plan representatives, and other health care providers.

CONFIDENTIALITY OF HEALTH INFORMATION. You have the right to talk in confidence with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to review and copy your own medical record and request that your physician change your record if it is not accurate, relevant, or complete.