Going to the Doctors can be scary!
Part of the problem is that most people are not up on medicine, conditions, diseases and the whole gambit of health and wellness. When they visit a Doctor with an issue they can become overwhelmed and confused... and let's be honest, medical terminology and jargon are hard to understand especially for the elderly (who need more care and have more comprehension issues with the aging process).
A side story here...
Today I was working with an old client (General Practitioner), who just retired from the field as he was fed up with the bureaucracy and increasing confusion and control of the insurance companies and government over healthcare. But he said it was the best decision he ever made as he is now free to practice really helping people again the way he sees he should and had for all those prior years.
But he found another way in which to help his old patients in their health maintenance and developments... he became their Medical Advocate.
Back to Advocacy
A Government statistic states: That only 12 percent of U.S. adults have proficient health literacy... that being the case, when some major health issue arises, bringing another Doctor that will sit in on medical appointments and help break down the terms, procedures, implications etc. Especially with the elderly who are seeing new Doctors that are not familiar with them or that understand them personally to relate the situation and possibilities.
This makes sense...
To hire another Doctor, especially one that already knows you for many years, to attend meetings and consultations with specialists for any problems. You trust them, they know you...and it gives them satisfaction... a win - win! They willhelp the patient understand fully and help to calm their fears (mostly from the unknown).
So Doctors
Don't need to fear retirement, there is another option that retains your skills, knowledge, compassion and aide to people... you guys practiced Medicine so long and closer to the individual than modern medicine or insurance or government allows. We still need you!
It brings that personal touch back to healthcare!
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Image Credit: newdoctorrealestate.com