This is not my meme but it DOES relate to us as DPC Docs. Why? Because we are so close to our patients that sometimes we cross boundaries that we shouldn’t cross.
“But my patients would never turn on me?” you say.
You are probably right…….until you aren’t.
Here is a reality check. There are a lot of people with borderline personality disorders. The rate of anxiety diagnoses is exploding. You really aren’t as good of friends with your patients as you think. Lastly, if something goes wrong in your treatment plan, even if it isn’t your fault, patients will rationalize why they now don’t like you. All humans rationalize.
Confusing?
Well, let me explain. You’re tired and respond to a patient’s text with a bad joke.
Pt: “Hey doc, I got the new pills. This thing is too big to swallow.”
You: “That’s what she said.” (Michael Scott reference)
Result: Sexual harassment.
Or you email a patient, who has crossed boundaries herself, with something that can be read in a few different ways.
Pt: Why aren’t you answering my emails? I have a million questions and you aren’t answering in a timely manner. I could be dead by now!
You: I have read them and I wish I was dead by now. I will get to these as soon as I can.
All this is based on interpretation. Who will interpret it? Here are some possibilities:
- The newspaper.
- Social media – if the patient shares it.
- The state board of medicine, who is looking to punish doctors to meet their quota.
- A judge or jury in a malpractice case.
This post is not here to scare you. It is here to educate you and make sure you don’t fall into a trap due to fatigue or laziness.
Always think, “How can I get screwed if I send this email or text?”.
The obvious answer, “That’s what she said.”
I’m kidding.
You get my point. Now go enjoy your Friday.
Great reminder! Also double check to make sure Dictation software (i.e. Dragon) is working correctly. I look back at some of my notes and am embarrassed that I did not catch the mistakes which one word could make a big difference.