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How Often Do You Go to the Doc?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700

Growing up, I regularly saw my pediatrician for an annual physical, but when I hit college the only time I went to the doctor was for my annual exam. I rarely saw any doctor other than my gynecologist. These days, I only visit the doctor when I am sick but did just recently have a physical with blood tests and all. What about you . . . Source

How Often Do You Go to the Doc?

A few times a year since I'm always sick or hurting myself.

Once a year to get the basics checked out.

Once every couple years.

It's been a few years.

It's been more than a few years and I should really make an appointment.

I don't have a primary care doctor.

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part II

DearSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Now that we all have a few reminders when preparing for an upcoming pelvic exam, I have some quick suggestions for the day of the appointment, too. To see them

The How-To Lounge: Your Annual Pelvic Exam, Part I

DearSugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 10:00:00 -0700

I don’t know any women who actually enjoy a trip to the gynecologist, though feelings about settling into the stirrups tend to vary from mild annoyance to extreme anxiety. No matter which end of the spectrum you fall on, it’s important to make the most of your annual exam. To see my suggestions to do just that

Primary Care Doctor: Do You Prefer a Male or Female?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Of course when it comes to seeing a gynecologist, I'd much rather see a female doctor. I feel more comfortable talking to a fellow woman about my lady business. When it comes to seeing a regular primary care doctor, I really have no preference either way. As long as the doc is a good listener and dispenses good advice I am happy with a female or a male physician.So I was wondering . . .Source

Primary Care Doctor: Do You Prefer a Male or Female?

Male

Female

Either one, it doesn't matter to me, as long as they're good doctors.

I don't see a regular doctor.

Do Tell: Have You Had an Embarrassing Moment at the Gyno?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Even at its best, a trip to the gynecologist is usually pretty uncomfortable and can be down right awkward. Since going to a doctor’s appointment already makes most of us feel vulnerable, being naked in front of a doctor only makes things even more nerve-wracking. Anxiety, discomfort, nudity, and discussing sex and birth control are just about the perfect equation for an embarrassing moment to arise. So ladies, do tell, have you ever had an embarrassing mishap at the gyno?

Source

Do You Get a Second Opinion?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:30:00 -0800

About 10 years ago, I was suffering from chronic sinusitis, and after months of antibiotics (not fun), my ear, nose, and throat doctor said that I needed to get sinus surgery. I was not about to cut up my face, so I went to an allergist to see if maybe my cat was causing my symptoms. It turns out I was allergic and as soon as I found a home for him (sad, I know), my sinusitis cleared up. I'm so glad I got a second opinion.So I was wondering . . .Source

Do You Get a Second Opinion?

Always

Sometimes

Never

Dear Poll: Do You Lie to Your Doctor?

DearSugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:11:51 -0800

Tara Parker-Pope brought up an interesting subject on her Well blog: lying to your therapist. Sure, there are many topics that can be embarrassing or uncomfortable to talk about, especially when it comes to your body or your innermost thoughts and secrets, but in order to get the correct advice, we need to give all the facts. I can’t help but wonder what the point of talking to a therapist or doctor is if you’re just going to lie to them. I'm always honest because I just assume that they've heard worse, but what about you? Have you ever lied to your therapist or doctor? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Lie to Your Doctor?

Yes

Other — Please explain

Speak Up: Has a Doctor Ever Told You to Lose Weight?

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:00:00 -0800

This summer it was reported that 66 percent of US adults are overweight, but only 12 percent say that they've ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional that they are obese. I feel like this is a really touchy subject. I mean nobody wants to admit that they need to lose a few pounds, and it would be even worse to hear it from somebody else.

So I was wondering, has a doctor ever told you to lose weight? Do they have the right to tell you that because it's for your health, or do you think it's totally out of line and rude?

Source

Speak Up: Did Your Doctor Really Say That?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:01:38 -0700

Years ago, I was having tummy problems, so I decided to visit a naturopath. I was curious to see if there was a natural way to cure my upset stomach. This naturopath paid no attention to the reasons I came to see her and focused instead on the fact that I was using birth control pills.

This "healer" was really against "putting chemicals into your body," as she put it, and she gave the most outlandish medical advice I have ever received. She strongly suggested that I stop taking the pill, get pregnant, and then get an abortion just to make sure I was still fertile. Can you believe that?!

I get shivers every time I think about it. I mean, what kind of horrendous advice was that? Way to push your views on someone else. I stormed out of there immediately (after giving her my two cents) and made an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

So tell me, has someone in the medical field ever said something that surprised or appalled you? Or have you ever received horrible medical advice?

Source

Zagat Ratings for Doctors?

FitSugar — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:00:00 -0700

I'm sure you're all familiar with Zagat ratings and reviews for restaurants, bars, hotels and attractions. Now that well-known consumer guide is teaming up with WellPoint to survey the world of doctors.

Beginning in January 2008, a new online survey tool will be launched where members of some of WellPoint's Blue Cross and Blue Shied plans will be able to rate, evaluate, and share their medical experiences with fellow members. They'll use the same 30-point scale Zagat approach that is used when reviewing restaurants. Instead of discussing food, atmosphere, prices, and service, patients will rate doctors on trust, communication, availability and environment. Patients will also be able to leave comments for a more personalized and specific review.

A doctor's rating won't be posted until ten members have reviewed him or her. Also, WellPoint and Zagat will carefully monitor the site for inappropriate allegations about a doctor, and members will also be able to report any suspicious comments.

I think this will be a great resource for people since good doctors can be so hard to find. I mean if you went online and read a patient review that said, "even though an appointment with Dr. Shanard can take weeks, it's well worth the wait," wouldn't you want to know?

Source