Difficult Questions

Question 1

I can’t afford this treatment/surgery/hospital stay. Just give me something for the pain and I’ll leave.

Answer 1

Sir I understand your concern with money and that is understandable. But your life is involved here and it is my job to see that you have adequate care. We have excellent social workers that can help you with the cost issues.

Question 2

Do I have to tell my partner about my chlamydia?

Answer 2

Yes. You’ve been sexually active with him/her so there is a chance they have the disease as well, or he/she may be the source of your infection. We need to treat and evaluate you both because there can be serious complications with untreated ______.

Question 3

Am I just getting old? (in reference to male impotence)

Answer 3

Age may play a partial role, but there could be other factors contributing to it. We need to rule out medical causes like HTN and diabetes before investigating alternative causes. Also, there are medications that may improve your ability to achieve erections we can discuss once the test results are back.

Question 4

This herbal medication will cure my disease.

Answer 4

There are many herbals rumored to be benefitial in many diseases. Sometimes this may be the case, but herbals are not FDA regulated and have side effects. Also they may interfere with other medications you are taking. What is the name of the supplement? I’ll look into it for you and we can talk about it at your follow-up appointment. For now, let’s hold off.

Question 5

I’m afraid of_________.

Answer 5

Your concern is understandable. Many people are for different reasons. Why do you feel that way?

Question 6

Can we hold off on all these tests till after my honeymoon? ….says the 50 year old recently remarried man with unstable angina.

Answer 6

I understand why you’d want to hold off on these tests, but the symptoms you’ve described to me could indicate a very serious problem. The earlier we catch it, and the more quickly we intervene, the better the outcome. I have no guarantees that this is the case, but it is a diagnosis I would not want to miss.

Question 7

What is a…. CT

Answer 7

A CT is like a big XRAY that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body without going inside.

Question 8

What is an XRAY?

Answer 8

An XRAY is like a camera through the eyes of Superman. You know how he can see through solid objects? Well Xrays can see through your tissues and show us your bones and other structures in your body.

Question 9

What is a bronchoscopy?

Answer 9

A bronchoscopy is a tube with a little camera connected to it. It is used to look into your lungs and airways.

Question 10

Do you think it is too late for me to get over this?

Answer 10

I am glad that you did not wait any longer before coming to see me. We will do all that we can and hope for the best. And I will be available for you should you have any questions or concerns.

Question 11

Do you think I have a brain tumor? Colon cancer? any cancer?

Answer 11

That is one of the possibilities based on the symptoms you’ve told me about, but there are many other explanations that we need to investigate before making a diagnosis.

Question 12

Pt with CP –> Is this a heart attack? Am I going to die?

Answer 12

Based on what you’ve told me, my suspicion for a heart attack is low. Still, we need to do some tests and get a little more workup done to rule out heart problems.

Question 13

My friend said you’re a great doc. That’s why I came to you for my prescription refills.

Answer 13

Thank you I’m flattered and glad your friend has that opinion of me. I try to take care of all my patients to the best of my ability. Since you are new to me, I’d like to review a bit of your medical history, do a physical exam, and maybe run some tests. Would that be agreeable to you?

Question 14

Will my insurance cover this?

Answer 14

I do not know. However we have great social workers that can answer that question. Also, if necessary, I can write a letter to your insurance company stating the necessity of this test. Many times that can incite coverage.

Question 15

Pt who really doesn’t need to go back to work wants to go back to work….

Answer 15

I understand your desire to go back to work, but your job environment may be contributing to your condition. I prefer that you stay at home for now until we can evaluate your situation further. I can write a note to our employer explaining why if you’d like?

Question 16

So you think my tumor is malignant?

Answer 16

I honestly cannot tell you at this moment because I do not know. We won’t know until we can remove the tumor and take a closer look at the tissue.

Question 17

Angry patient: Where have you been, doc? I’ve been waiting here all damn day and this HURTS!

Answer 17

I apologize for your wait, it has been a hectic day in the clinic. We had some unexpected delays with earlier patients this morning. I’m here now and ready to focus on you, though, so shall we get started?

Question 18

Monogamous lady with an STD: …. is my husband cheating on me?

Answer 18

It is most likely that you got it from your partner. It is probably a good idea to speak with him about this to clear things up. He needs to be tested and treated, or there is a risk you can be reinfected.

Question 19

Stop asking me all these damn questions and give me something for the pain!

Answer 19

I’m sorry sir/mam I understand you’re in a significant amount of pain, but the questions I ask are aimed at finding why you are in pain. I need to know where the pain is coming from in order to treat it correctly. I will be as efficient as possible but I also want to be thorough to give you the best care possible. When I finish the exam, I will be able to adequately treat you. Are we on the same page?

Question 20

Doc I really need to be off work…… and has no reason to be off work.

Answer 20

I know you’re uncomfortable, but after examining you, I dont find a disability enough to keep you out of work. In fact, one of the largest parts of recovery is performing your daily activities.

Question 21

My brother/mom/dad etc… had _____ cancer. Does that mean I will get it too?

Answer 21

It may put you at an increased risk but that does not mean you will get it. there are familial types and random types with no familial association, but there are other factors that need to be considered. However, regular screening is necessary.

Question 22

Guy with urinary symptoms: Do you think I have an STD?

Answer 22

You could. that is one possibility. However your symptoms can be explained by other causes too, like a urinary tract infection. This is why we need to do some lab testing. I’d like to get a sample of urine from you, and we will do some bacterial cultures from it, as well as get a blood sample from you to look for signs your body is fighting a bug.