Doctor Patient Relationship

It's a good day to tell everyone - What do doctors expect from their patients? Today is 1st of July, in India it is observed as Doctor’s day in memory of Bharat Ratna Dr B C Roy, whose birth and death anniversaries fall on the same day. In light of recent attacks on doctors, although well-informed choices have raised the expectations of patients from their doctors, the medical professionals too have some expectations from their patients.

Believe it or not just like a patient has the right to choose his doctor so does a doctor. MCI Code of Ethics Regulations 2.1.1 states: “A physician is not bound to treat each and every person asking his services.” In non emergent situations, the doctor has a right to choose his patients.

As per MCI Code of Ethics Regulations 3.3 Punctuality in Consultation, a patient expects his doctor should be punctual. The doctor expects the same from his/her patient.

A doctor has a right to choose his fee as long as it is transparent and displayed, says Regulation 3.7.1 of MCI Code of Ethics.

Regulation 6.4.1 does not allow a doctor to give rebates.

Patients should be truthful to their doctor about their past medical history, about smoking, alcohol, drugs and high risk behaviours etc.

Patients should pay doctor’s fee in time.

It is ethical to charge a fee each time a patient is seen.

Patients should bring all their medical records each time they come for a check up or follow up.

Patients should know that if a doctor has referred them to a particular lab for a test, it does not mean that it is linked to commission. Different labs have different facilities.

Doctors do not like to be disturbed by calls on mobiles in non emergent situations, although they might not mind it if previously agreed upon.

Patients should always have a designated person to take briefings from the doctor in a hospital setting.

If the doctor fills a wrong information in the claim form or if he/she gives a false medical certificate, the punishment can be imprisonment.

Patients should know that error of judgment is not negligence. Patients should also know that difference of opinion is not negligence. And that deviation from standard practice is also not negligence. Sudden death in a hospital does not mean negligence.

Patients should know that a doctor is not required to possess maximum skill and knowledge. He/she is only supposed to possess an average degree of skill and knowledge. The very fact that insurance companies allow doctors to be covered under indemnity insurance for deficiency of service or medical negligence, it means that every case of negligence is not criminal in nature.

One has to pay a price for quality in life. For example, if you get a fracture and do not get surgery done, then there may be no risk to life. But getting a surgery done for early recovery and better quality of life will always carry some risk.

Costly drugs do not mean that they are better. All drugs cleared by federal agencies are safe for human consumption. No drug is 100% safe. Let us not blame the doctors for branded medicines, after all we take pride in using branded stuff, so why not medicines?

Lastly, it's good to show appreciation and love to your doctors. Money may or may not drive them, but love surly does. Happy doctors day!