Doctors and computers

Our doctors have been forced into the use of medically programmed use of lap top computers to operate their patient records.
My observation of this over the last few years is that now the doctor spends nearly as much time poking stuff into their machine as they do checking the patient and talking to them!
Much of the information they input is done in a programmed manner so that skilled businessmen can scan the records and determine if the doctor is doing what the business wants them to do?
Many doctors now do work for or in conjunction with a managed records and treatment system. Experts review the information and provide guidelines to the doctor as to the best business practice as well as what treatments to provide.
All tis bother me in two ways: The doctor now simply doesn't have adequate time to spend with each patient due to doing his own paperwork on a lap top; and, he is being guided by business practices rather than his own desires.
I suppose the doctor can see more patients, and more often, this way but is it practicing medicine correctly?
Of course whether you have insurance or not and how good it is, also comes into play on these machines!
The connection between practitioners of general medicine and "Specialists," is also changing dramatically.
Like Dentists, some don't want to pull a tooth for you--everyone makes more money if the specialist pulls it! Same with a tooth implant: dentist pulls, specialist implants, dentist caps; a big big bill i split now---doesn't look so bad that way.

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Doctors and Computers at Emory
muddle's picture
Submitted by muddle on Wed, 01/16/2008 - 7:33am.

All I know is that it works well in the Emory system. My wife was hospitalized there, and then we've gone to many follow-up visits with a variety of specialists in their clinics. Whatever any doctor inputs is immediately available to them all. CT-scan or lab results are available in her online records, so that, the surgeon, for example, each time we've been in to see him, has just reviewed everything on his computer before walking in to see her. I think it's a great system.


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muddle
Submitted by sageadvice on Wed, 01/16/2008 - 8:35am.

I find some tests are input a week after happening. A doctor discussed an old lab results with me due to the latest not entered yet!!!! I caught it.
His computer was down also and they had no expertise in writing stuff down, filling Rxs, or making appointments!!!
But the biggest problem is crashes and updating.

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Nitpicker$ -- Doctors and computers
Denise Conner's picture
Submitted by Denise Conner on Wed, 01/16/2008 - 6:27am.

"The doctor now simply doesn't have adequate time to spend with each patient due to doing his own paperwork on a lap top."

You claim that doctors' using computers decreases the amount of time spent with patients, but what you fail to realize is that doctors are merely typing their patient notes (and prescriptions and orders -- NOT checking insurance info, which is the responsibility of the receptionist) instead of writing them. Since doctors are known for their illegible handwriting, I see using computers as an improvement and a safeguard. Also, a medical practice is a business run for profit (of which a substantial portion is claimed by the IRS), and efforts to increase efficiency increase profitability -- and more $$$ remitted to the IRS = civic duty = patriotism! Eye-wink

Usually a specialist is more qualified to treat a specific problem than a general practitioner and, again, the goal is better patient care, as well as a happier physician who is not forced to perform procedures that he lacks the skill and/or desire to do.

You could do as the Brits have been forced to do because of the UK's form of Hillary-Care and yank out your own teeth. Your only expense would be the pliers . . . and maybe a trip to the ER for antibiotics and/or pain meds. Eye-wink

If you want more "talk time" with a doctor, make another appointment with me, but remember my going rate is $250/hour to listen to your MANY problems and complaints! And, I'll write my notes as we proceed since my handwriting is legible! Eye-wink


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Simple Solution
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Tue, 01/15/2008 - 10:14pm.

Protest the doctor and boycott his practice. Perhaps you could lead a new movement of life long boycotts to medical practitioners and dentists. Stop going to the doctors and make an example of them. That'll teach 'em.

________
In regards to Democrats, Republicans, gangs, and other scads of coterie Kool-Aide drinkers; Remember this..... Eagles Don't Flock


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Git - medicine
Submitted by sageadvice on Wed, 01/16/2008 - 3:46am.

You are trying to git rid of me!

I was in a medical office the other day when the monthly update was being performed, and of course it wasn't working so as they could use it (standard happening), and so everything was grinding to a halt. No one could speak to the doctor--he was programming--no appointments could be made---call back later---previous lab tests weren't input yet---so no information for the doctor,etc., etc. Will take them a week to catch up---meanwhile errors will be made!
Twelve to fourteen years of higher education seems to me is wasted by doctors doing clerical work.
Of course executives do the same thing anymore! May be our problem.

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