Do Physicians judge patients based on what they wear? Designer Bags? Casual Clothing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

PP here. One, to assess risks (one of the big ones that isn't physical labor is elementary school teachers -- you don't even need to ask them if they have had any sick contacts, you can just assume they have--they are working in a big cesspool of germs, lol; another occupational hazard is lots of travel). Second, they ask occupation because they are taught that conversations regarding diagnosis, treatment, etc, should look different depending on the education level/profession of the patient. But clearly it's not a perfect (or even all that useful?) proxy for the patient's ability to understand medical information. Personally, I think any decent doctor should be able to ascertain that, at least somewhat, just having taken a history without needing to ask about someone's job. But I don't write the curriculum.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I look brown/olive skin and have noticed that if I wear something from my college (Berkeley) or drop that I went there I get better treatment. A dermatologist was being so rude and dismissive to me and I noticed he was wearing a tie that had a small Cal [Berkeley] logo. I said "Go Bears" and he paused and looked puzzled. He asked what I said and I repeated it and said the year I graduated. He said "oh wow I wasn't sure how well you spoke English, I didn't realize you also went to Cal". Then it was like he was my best friend, giving me samples, moving up another appointment, etc.

I feel ridiculous but sometimes I make sure I use a sentence when meeting the doctor that contains more advanced vocabulary such as instead of saying "I should have come in sooner to get this checked out", I intentionally will say " I was remiss in.." And while I am waiting I have my phone out playing wordle and as the doctor comes in and says hi I say "hi, just finishing up today's wordle".

Instead of wordle (which takes less than a minute to solve), try having the doctor catch you reading the Berkeley alumni magazine or The Economist magazine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

There are lots of risk differences beyond straight up physical labor. There are big differences in ore term labor by work environment, for example. Also, there is something to be said for knowing your patient a bit (and having them feel known.)

I’ve honestly always been bothered that not one of my doctors nor specialists seems to recall any responses of mine. I recently encountered this after a test at the cardiologist. The nurse asked why I was there for the visit, when they had me schedule the follow up to an echocardiogram. It was as if my file was never read when the Dr arrived and began flipping thru.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Doctors only judge on weight, gender, and race.

And somewhat on occupation.

I dislike telling doctors I am an elementary school teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I look brown/olive skin and have noticed that if I wear something from my college (Berkeley) or drop that I went there I get better treatment. A dermatologist was being so rude and dismissive to me and I noticed he was wearing a tie that had a small Cal [Berkeley] logo. I said "Go Bears" and he paused and looked puzzled. He asked what I said and I repeated it and said the year I graduated. He said "oh wow I wasn't sure how well you spoke English, I didn't realize you also went to Cal". Then it was like he was my best friend, giving me samples, moving up another appointment, etc.

I feel ridiculous but sometimes I make sure I use a sentence when meeting the doctor that contains more advanced vocabulary such as instead of saying "I should have come in sooner to get this checked out", I intentionally will say " I was remiss in.." And while I am waiting I have my phone out playing wordle and as the doctor comes in and says hi I say "hi, just finishing up today's wordle".

Instead of wordle (which takes less than a minute to solve), try having the doctor catch you reading the Berkeley alumni magazine or The Economist magazine.

I always take my latest copy of the Mensa Bulletin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I look brown/olive skin and have noticed that if I wear something from my college (Berkeley) or drop that I went there I get better treatment. A dermatologist was being so rude and dismissive to me and I noticed he was wearing a tie that had a small Cal [Berkeley] logo. I said "Go Bears" and he paused and looked puzzled. He asked what I said and I repeated it and said the year I graduated. He said "oh wow I wasn't sure how well you spoke English, I didn't realize you also went to Cal". Then it was like he was my best friend, giving me samples, moving up another appointment, etc.

I feel ridiculous but sometimes I make sure I use a sentence when meeting the doctor that contains more advanced vocabulary such as instead of saying "I should have come in sooner to get this checked out", I intentionally will say " I was remiss in.." And while I am waiting I have my phone out playing wordle and as the doctor comes in and says hi I say "hi, just finishing up today's wordle".

Instead of wordle (which takes less than a minute to solve), try having the doctor catch you reading the Berkeley alumni magazine or The Economist magazine.

I always take my latest copy of the Mensa Bulletin.

Well... that would definitely convey .. something...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can afford medical treatment out-of-pocket, you can afford insurance, but that’s off topic.

Insurance not related to employment is worthless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

There are lots of risk differences beyond straight up physical labor. There are big differences in ore term labor by work environment, for example. Also, there is something to be said for knowing your patient a bit (and having them feel known.)

I’ve honestly always been bothered that not one of my doctors nor specialists seems to recall any responses of mine. I recently encountered this after a test at the cardiologist. The nurse asked why I was there for the visit, when they had me schedule the follow up to an echocardiogram. It was as if my file was never read when the Dr arrived and began flipping thru.

We actually teach the med students this also --to always ask the patients what brings them in on that particular day, even for a follow up to labs/diagnostics. The reason is this: Patients often have a different agenda than the dr does. Yes, it should be in the chart that the patient is there to f/u on an echo, but the patient may think something totally different and that will need to be addressed. They do this to make sure they cover everything the patient wants to cover.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

There are lots of risk differences beyond straight up physical labor. There are big differences in ore term labor by work environment, for example. Also, there is something to be said for knowing your patient a bit (and having them feel known.)

I’ve honestly always been bothered that not one of my doctors nor specialists seems to recall any responses of mine. I recently encountered this after a test at the cardiologist. The nurse asked why I was there for the visit, when they had me schedule the follow up to an echocardiogram. It was as if my file was never read when the Dr arrived and began flipping thru.

We actually teach the med students this also --to always ask the patients what brings them in on that particular day, even for a follow up to labs/diagnostics. The reason is this: Patients often have a different agenda than the dr does. Yes, it should be in the chart that the patient is there to f/u on an echo, but the patient may think something totally different and that will need to be addressed. They do this to make sure they cover everything the patient wants to cover.

Except if they are there for a checkup. In that case, they can't ask any questions else they'll get charged for two visits

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

There are lots of risk differences beyond straight up physical labor. There are big differences in ore term labor by work environment, for example. Also, there is something to be said for knowing your patient a bit (and having them feel known.)

I’ve honestly always been bothered that not one of my doctors nor specialists seems to recall any responses of mine. I recently encountered this after a test at the cardiologist. The nurse asked why I was there for the visit, when they had me schedule the follow up to an echocardiogram. It was as if my file was never read when the Dr arrived and began flipping thru.

We actually teach the med students this also --to always ask the patients what brings them in on that particular day, even for a follow up to labs/diagnostics. The reason is this: Patients often have a different agenda than the dr does. Yes, it should be in the chart that the patient is there to f/u on an echo, but the patient may think something totally different and that will need to be addressed. They do this to make sure they cover everything the patient wants to cover.

It comes across concerning that you are unaware of my medical condition. I don’t mind if the nurse says “you are here today for ….” But asking me is off putting IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

There are lots of risk differences beyond straight up physical labor. There are big differences in ore term labor by work environment, for example. Also, there is something to be said for knowing your patient a bit (and having them feel known.)

I’ve honestly always been bothered that not one of my doctors nor specialists seems to recall any responses of mine. I recently encountered this after a test at the cardiologist. The nurse asked why I was there for the visit, when they had me schedule the follow up to an echocardiogram. It was as if my file was never read when the Dr arrived and began flipping thru.

I get it. But it's what they are taught.

We actually teach the med students this also --to always ask the patients what brings them in on that particular day, even for a follow up to labs/diagnostics. The reason is this: Patients often have a different agenda than the dr does. Yes, it should be in the chart that the patient is there to f/u on an echo, but the patient may think something totally different and that will need to be addressed. They do this to make sure they cover everything the patient wants to cover.

It comes across concerning that you are unaware of my medical condition. I don’t mind if the nurse says “you are here today for ….” But asking me is off putting IMO.

[Anonymous]

If doctors can afford to be that judgey, then I wouldn't want them as a doctor. They should be paying attention to my vital signs, not what I'm wearing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do you think you receive different medical care based on what you are wearing?

Do you always dress a certain way for medical appointments?

When my father had cancer, he was definitely judged by the hospital. He was older (93) and black. They assumed he didn't have medical insurance so they were really horrible. I had to really show out! He had very good health insurance and I am a lawyer.

Having or not having medical insurance is the key issue. If you were a poor white person without insurance, you would know this. I’ve encountered incredibly hostile physicians who clearly resented me, and flat out told me I’d be forced to pay up out of pocket.

I absolutely encourage everyone to have a support person with them at all times when seeing a doctor, or especially when hospitalized. This goes for rich and poor, black and white. This is 1000x more critical for women having a hospitalized childbirth, again black or white, rich or poor. I hope you agree.

It depends on the situation. We have military insurance and we often get told they will not treat us, blow us off for serious concerns or send us out to the absolute worst doctors. One doctor refused to see me as I didn't have a copy of my paper referral and refused to le the pay cash. I don't dress in expensive clothing but I think some medical staff are just lazy and want to do the absolute minimum vs. actually help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If doctors can afford to be that judgey, then I wouldn't want them as a doctor. They should be paying attention to my vital signs, not what I'm wearing.

Not everyone has doctor choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I will no longer disclose to these people what my profession is, unless I determine it’s pertinent to my treatment.

I work with med students. One of the things they are taught (and then tested on) is to get the occupation of the patient. It's supposed to be in their history-taking. For better or for worse, they are literally taught this.

Sure! But why exactly, especially if it’s not physical labor?

PP here. One, to assess risks (one of the big ones that isn't physical labor is elementary school teachers -- you don't even need to ask them if they have had any sick contacts, you can just assume they have--they are working in a big cesspool of germs, lol; another occupational hazard is lots of travel). Second, they ask occupation because they are taught that conversations regarding diagnosis, treatment, etc, should look different depending on the education level/profession of the patient. But clearly it's not a perfect (or even all that useful?) proxy for the patient's ability to understand medical information. Personally, I think any decent doctor should be able to ascertain that, at least somewhat, just having taken a history without needing to ask about someone's job. But I don't write the curriculum.

Not all smart people go to college or have the opportunity. Best is to ask how the patient wants it explained.