Gifting Doctors

[Anonymous]

My husband and I are having a disagreement. We gave birth to our first child one month ago. We had a wonderful (medically uneventful) experience. I purchased a gift for the doctor who supported us through this journey and my husband feels this is inappropriate. He feels it is unprofessional. This was brought up on another post and I was wondering how common this practice is.

[Anonymous]

I think it's appropriate. People give gifts to their real estate agents, etc. Why not to a doctor who you found supportive and caring?

I had some complications with my current pregnancy, and the doctor's office was able to fit me in and take care of some problems quickly and efficiently. I went ahead and got a box of gourmet chocolates and a "thank you" note for the office and they went over quite well with both the doctor and the staff. It was definitely appreciated, and just something to allow me to show my gratitude.

I'd say go ahead and give the gift. My DH wasn't sure about it at first also, but when he was at the next appt with me, he was glad we had gotten something.

[Anonymous]

I think it's a great idea! With all the hassle of insurance (especially med mal), legal issues and general negativity about health care these days, I'm sure this would brighten your doctor's day. I dropped off a nice card and sweet treats for my OB's office around the holidays to say thank you and happy holidays a few months after my baby was born. The nurse said they rarely get positive feedback from their patients.

[Anonymous]

My friend is an OB and gets bottles of wine, tix to events, etc. all the time. If you had a great experience, why not?

[Anonymous]

I think it's very sweet. I don't think anyone should ever feel that they HAVE to give a gift to a doctor (which was the point of the other post), but I'm sure your doctor would be touched by the gesture.

I would keep it a small gesture (box of chocolates, small picture frame, not a watch).

[Anonymous]

Am I the only one who feels that doctors (professionals) accepting gifts from patients (clients) is a bit unethical? It smacks of a lifestyle that is unique to dc culture. Doctors can put up signs that say "Payment due at time of service", they can also put up a sign that says "You trust in our service is your gift to us". Then again, gifters may feel less judged by their doctors if they give a gift.

I vote for everyone keeping their dust collectors out of the dc regifting cycle!

[Anonymous]

A thank you card and some food for the office would be nicely appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I am a doctor, a nice card with a photo of the baby is more thatn enough. That is not even necessary. Congratulations.

[Anonymous]

Paying the bill for services from a physician who does not accept insurance should be appreciation enough! However, a note is always nice.

[Anonymous]

I gifted my OB because I felt he went above and beyond. Maybe 50 years ago his service would be customary, but in this day and age I felt compelled to do something more than a thank you note.

I will also share that he was the only doctor in the entire practice I gave the gift to despite seeing other doctors during my pregnancy. While they were all good, some better than others, he truly was a wonderful doctor who took the time to answer our questions - no matter how silly - and I believe really cared about us and our unborn child.

Without a doubt, I will be sending him/the practice a birth announcement with a note thank them all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's appropriate. People give gifts to their real estate agents, etc. Why not to a doctor who you found supportive and caring?

Give a gift to your real estate agent? After they just collect a 3% comission? I think when I fork over a 15K check for plopping a sign down in my yard, putting my adderss in the MLS, printing some cheesey borchures, running some newspaper ads, sitting around an open house collecting more clients, and doing some contract negotiations is enough of a gift.

Even if they do cart you around to look at houses they get a great comission for it.

I'm a sales rep and my clients never give me gifts for taking their money. My gift is a big fat comission check at the end of the quarter. I then in turn send them gifts at holidays, dinners out, or tickets to games/events. A gift from them? Ha!

I personally sent the nurses station a gift after my delivery. They make little moeny and work their tails off for not enough salary.

10:28, you are not alone. My doctor should be giving me a gift for giving him my business. We just have it all backwards.

[Anonymous]

A card, flowers, or donuts would be fine. I think anything expensive is unwise. It may sound extreme, but it is a slippery slope that could lead towards a third world system where the rich get better service and treatment than those that look less likely to afford a suitable "gift".

Why not give to a medical charity of some kind if you want to make more of a statement?

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine if it's in moderation. After I had my son, I sent one of these to the office for the docs and staff.

http://www.fruitflowers.com/cgi-bin/webstore.cgi?cat=default

Seemed to be very appreciated.

[Anonymous]

I see this whole gifty thing as egocentric.

[Anonymous]

I do not see anything wrong with a small gift. It is a nice gesture, and I know that at least for me, my OB practically felt like a family member - she was with me during one of the most important times of my life. Even is someone is getting "paid" for their services, it is a kind, humane, and thoughtful gesture to write someone a note or send them flowers/chocolates when you feel like they have done a good job and have been a valued part of your life.