In the United States, a doctor is one of the most highly paid professions (until recently it even ranked first), so doctor’s time is extremely valuable. Doctors are not attached to clinics or offices. On the contrary, the doctor rents an existing office or several and receives patients in it. The same doctor can see on Mondays and Wednesdays in one part of the city, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays in another (days of the week are taken as an example). So if you don’t like the situation, you can walk in the same doctor in another office. Some doctors who have earned enough money and recognition open their own practices – offices in which they serve and other doctors, as well.
The situation is similar with hospitals. The doctor collaborates with one or more healthcare institutions. Moreover, in the case of pregnancy, the birth is often taken by the same doctor who monitored the pregnancy – he simply rushes out of the office and goes to the hospital if the need arises.
How is a doctor’s appointment conducted in America?
The nurse comes first and collects the primary indications (body temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and even if necessary, can take an ECG).
Then the doctor enters the room. It is imperative that the doctor knocks the door before opening it and asks the patient for permission to enter. After that, no one can enter the room.
The doctor is obliged to introduce himself, shake the patient’s hand and it is desirable, but not necessary, to ask the patient how he wants the doctor to contact him.
In the states, a doctor can only look at that part of the patient’s body which he is currently examining. All other areas of the body should be covered. For example, if you are listening to your heart, your chest should be covered. If you are looking at the abdomen, everything else should be covered.
The doctor does not make decisions about treatment. It only offers a few therapy options. The patient make decisions and choose how to be treated, not the doctor.
The doctor has no right to make value judgments on my actions. For example, if I smoke or drink alcohol. It cannot be said that this is bad. It’s not professional. If smoking or alcohol threatens my life, the doctor can only say that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, etc. If you are interested in quitting smoking, then I will help you and, if the patient agrees, suggest options for getting rid of nicotine addiction. This will be professional.
Why is it important? First, the patient feels safe. Secondly, he is comfortable. Thirdly, the patient begins to respect and most importantly trust the doctor. Well, if these three conditions are met, then the patient will probably come and the most important thing will be to follow the doctor’s recommendations. The effectiveness of the therapy will increase significantly.