If you don't care about your health, how am I supposed to care for you?

Patient's only seem truly concerned about their health when it involves joint pain or back pain -- then they want the FULL work-up and of course their narcotics.  Even cardiac issues -- patients just continue to return with the same symptoms and issues without doing their labs or studies and expect you to figure out what is wrong with them and fix it with a pill.

This morning's example:
MA:  We just received your lab results and your liver enzymes were at a critical level.  Along with the fact that you were jaundiced and were having abdominal pain-- the provider is very concerned about your health.  She has asked that you go immediately to the emergency room.
Patient:  I'm at work right now, but I can try to go Monday.  (two days from now).

*sigh.  every time.

disclaimer.

i feel that it is important for me to write.  a great deal of  my life is spent taking care of other people-- i work in medicine.  this is a significant source of stress in my life.  i think it is important for me to share my experiences -- sometimes sad, sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, appalling or enlightening.  there is not enough time dedicated to taking care of the care-takers, particularly in my current place of employment.  that being said, i also understand the importance of privacy, particularly in health matters.  for this reason, i will never state where i practice, who my patients or colleagues are and i will avoid (or simply change) identifying factors as much as possible.  also, i must mention -- please do not take any medical advice or recommendations written here seriously.  this is solely meant for social discussion, catharsis and reading pleasure.