Medical Questions » Doctors Questions » Question No. 276
| Question: | I have been to my doctor three times with the same pain in my side. She has tried two lots of medicine, ordered X-rays and blood tests, and still does not know what is causing my pain, which is continuing despite her useless treatments. Every time I go back she keeps charging me, but if my car doesn' t go after repairs, it' s fixed on warranty. Why should I have to pay if she can' t make me better? |
| Answer: | Human beings are not like cars. There are only a small number of car models, they have been made by man, all are exactly the same, and spare parts are readily available. There are billions of totally different human beings, they all react in slightly different ways, and can develop slightly different forms of a disease. Even the common cold can affect people in many different ways. This makes the diagnosis of some disorders very difficult, complex and time consuming.
When repairing a car, you are able to stop the engine. Humans cannot tolerate that sort of interference, and even ' opening the bonnet' is a radical procedure in a person with a minor pain. A doctor has only their time and skill to sell, and provided that skill is being used conscientiously, carefully, and with your best interests at heart, the doctor has every right to charge for the time taken in diagnosing your complaint.
You should be pleased that your GP is prepared to undertake investigations herself, without instantly referring you to a specialist, which would result in even greater expense.
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