Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Doctors Who Listen vs. Those Who Don't

On August 13, 2009 I was referred to New England Orthopedics in Peabody by my primary care physician Dr. Christine Murcott. She wanted me to have an MRI done to ascertain why I was experiencing severe pain in my hip. She suspects a labral tear in my hip that will only be visible via MRI.

When I arrived I was seen by Dr Perryman’s assistant. I explained to her that I was sent to get an MRI. She then asked me some questions, moved my leg around and sent me for x-rays, because she stated that Dr. Perryman needed to see x-rays before seeing me. Shortly after the x-rays were taken, she led me out to an area to look at them with Dr. Perryman. He told me that I had arthritis and that I should not go running (which I don’t do anyway) and that there was nothing to be done unless I was ready to have surgery on my hip. The total consultation time was less than 5 minutes.

I am upset because Dr. Perryman, NEVER EXAMINED ME, HE NEVER ASKED ME WHY I WAS THERE, all he did was look at my x-rays and send me on my way. He did me a huge disservice and wasted my time. I went to their office to get an MRI. I left without an MRI and still in pain.

Yesterday, I went to see my chiropractor Dr. Dennis O’Connor, who after actually examining me, also thinks I have a labral tear that needs to be confirmed or ruled out via MRI. He is referring me to another specialist, someone who will actually listen to what my problem is, take the MRI as requested and help find a resolution to my situation. I will be contacting my insurer to inform them of my disappointing experience with Dr. Perryman.

In writing this and making it public, my intent is to let go of my anger, and take back my power. In so doing, I hope to let others know that they can do the same. Find a doctor who listens.

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