August 2009

Medics who rain on your parade

by Dr. Ogi Ressel

I've had a ton of phone calls lately from doctors who are having the local MD in their town rain on their parade! And I know that you've all experienced this and found it frustrating and even humiliating.

This is a problem that has most chiropractors feeling like second-class citizens -- like you just climbed up from under some rock. It's a situation most of us have suffered through and endured: What do you do when one of your patients tells you that his or her MD said not to see you (or any chiropractor) any longer? Tough call. Gets your blood boiling, your heart rate goes up, your stress meter hits the red zone, and you bone up on videos of the "The Terminator" and "Rambo." I mean, who is this (blank, blank) to tell me what to do?! And when exactly did he (or she) graduate from chiropractic college?

Relax. Most likely it's not personal. In all likelihood, the MD is just trying to do the best for his or her patient (which also happens to be your mission as well) based on limited data and a flawed philosophy of "health." In this MD's circumstances, you'd do the same.

The problem isn't that this doctor told a patient not to see you. The problem is that he or she failed to consult with you prior to speaking with your patient -- who happens to be his or her patient as well. Unfortunately, this is where many physicians think that you don't matter, that you're some sort of a glorified massage therapist, and that they're omnipotent and sit on the right hand side.

The reason I decided to bring this up in a pediatric column is because this scenario usually involves children.

Here's how to remedy this situation so that it NEVER happens again.

Visit this MD in the doctor's office and tell the receptionist who you are and that you need five minutes of his or her time.

Or, you can write the MD a personal letter.

Or, you can call the doctor at his or her office.

Here's what I suggest you say:

"Hello Dr. (Smith).

"A pleasure to meet you/write to you (you're being nice). I'm Dr. (Brown). I understand that you asked Mrs. Jones, who is a patient of mine as well as yours, not to see me. Is that correct (here's where most physicians back paddle to avoid a confrontation with you)?

"I know that you have her best interests in mind but want you to know that your behavior was very unprofessional. How would you feel if I asked one of your patients (and I have many of them in my office) not to see you again? Do you think it would bother you?

"You should have consulted with me first. I am also this patient's doctor. However, I am willing to forgive and forget that this happened this time. But, should there be a repeat performance, I want to you know that I will lodge a formal complaint against you with your state board for unprofessional conduct, and you will be investigated -- and you know that your board is under mandate to investigate all complaints. I am certain that you would not want to see your name in the headlines of our local paper: "Local Doctor Under Investigation." Whether you are found to be right or wrong will make no difference. You will have been investigated, and that can't be good.

"So, please consult with me in the future. Thank you for your time and understanding.

"Best regards..."

Please remember to do this professionally, with no anger, malice, or emotion. It is what it is. You're simply drawing a line in the sand and telling the MD that he or she mustn't cross it. Period.

Trust me on this, you'll never have a problem with any of the physicians in town ever again. Word will get out very quickly that you are not to be toyed with. Of course, this will also end your relationship with any medics in town, and if that's the practice you aspire to -- crumbs off the table -- then you should reconsider and "suck it up."

The incident is closed by having your attorney then send the offending MD a letter reiterating your position.

That's it. Short. Simple. And no prisoners are taken.

In the event you decide not to act, it will haunt you. You will feel humiliated and angry, and I guarantee that it will happen again, and again.

If you need clarification, please call me.

(Dr. Ogi Ressel, author, researcher, and an x-ray and pediatric specialist, teaches The Practice Evolution Program, the “fastest-growing coaching program on the planet.” Visit online at www.practiceevolution.com  and take the Practice Health Mini-Checkup. Dr. Ressel may be contacted by e-mail at drogi@practiceevolution.com  or by calling 800-353-3082. Interested in receiving his weekly THOTS “on seeing tons of children and families in your practice?” Send him an e-mail and asked to be added to the list.)