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.
