Back from the doctor.....I can't believe what he said

[collateraldamage5591]

What he said implying that you were milking it would have pi$$ed me off. Maybe the I/C requires him to say that to look for a negative reaction. I guess I am assuming he is a W/C doctor,right? Maybe he felt like he put his foot in his mouth after you told him 9 doctors say you need surgery on your knee. Hopefully they will do you good in the long run. Good luck!

[Bummer Knees]

Thank you everyone for your responses. I don't think this doctor does much work comp or that is the impression I got.

When the doctor asked me if I was a milker or if I would be returning to my job. I told him I wouldn't be returning to my job because they refuse to accomodate my work restrictions. I told him I understand what they are doing because to place me in a classroom as sole person in charge of 12 or more children would place the children at risk if one was injured or an unplanned event took place.

I did tell the doctor that I realize I will need to change my profession and have been taking college classes since I was injured.

The doctor likes to use their own out-patient rehab facility located in the same building where their offices are located. The facility is 45 minutes from my home and of course after a knee replacement there will be a period I will not be driving. I will request physical therapy at the hospital near my home, wc approved therapy at this location for my other knee last year.

[red1030]

Hi bummer.... doctors are a mysterious group at times. I find that as a nurse, I either completely adored a specific doc..or I found that I could not tolerate their behavior at all... usually they are rather to the point, as time is money for them... however, there are a lot out there who really care. I am not sure about how I would think about this doctor. I am not sure of the motivation of those questions to you. I am not surprise especially if he really does care and really believe that their are a lot of people "milking the system." I think this doctor is a sort of "wait and see" kind of doc. At least for me that is how I would see it....best of luck to you... Red

[Bummer Knees]

There a few doctors that do knee replacements in my area of Kansas.

If I can sort through the attitudes I think things will be okay.

I don't believe the doctor said he would actually accept me as a patient just that he wanted to go through my medical records and his nurse would contact me and let me know what I need to do.

I have always been a hard worker in physical therapy and in my medical records are comments the doctors have written about me being a cooperative patient.

[lostinconnecticut]

Certainly an unsettling kind of experience. I really liked the spirit of Backache's first response, but I can also see that it might have caused problems since most doctors believe themselves to be above suspicion.
You can't very well go around asking them the same questions they ask you. lol.
Mostly it makes me sad that medicine has been tainted to a degree where the precious doctor/patient relationship is at this level. Obviously the question was on his mind so the next question is why. Is it directed at you? Was it planted by insurer? Did he have a bad experience with another patient? Is he covering his *ss so if surgery fails it would be because you didn't try rather than his skills being deficient. How many similar procedures has he performed and what is his success rate?

I'd be tempted to ask him if you have the opportunity.

[Bummer Knees]

LOC

I did see a letter in my patient file the insurance company sent to the doctor, I have to wonder what was in that letter. Friday afternoon my attorney told me the insurance is "not very happy" the judge approved medical treatment for my knee.

My attorney said the insurance company called him and told him, "You got one on us"

[lostinconnecticut]

Insurance companies are sore losers from my experience. I doubt they would be stupid enough to have a written ex-parte communication with your doctor (they usually break this rule by way of a telephone conversation or in person), but your lawyer should be receiving copies of any written correspondence

[jayne]

my first surgeon was that way no bedside manner at all but he knew his stuff......I can deal with his gruff attitude if he can cut and sew great.....My stomach guy told me I couldnt leave the hospital till I could pass gas.......when I ask what happens if I cant pass gas......He with a very stright face said "You blow up" as he walked out the door.....but he was an awesome surgeon....

[Bummer Knees]

Thanks for the responses.

LOC, I wonuldn't put anything past my Ins co.

Jayne, I have checked out this doctor and he is the best at what he does, thats why I told my attorney I wanted this doctor.

I think it is a matter of getting past the attitudes.

So now I wait and see if the doctor accepts me as a patient.