Today was interesting.
The patient was an elderly Asian man. He
complained of a large mass on his left upper anterior chest. After an
examination, Doc decided that it could be excised here in the office.
After applying the anesthetic and removing
the mass she measured the foreign mass. It was over 3.5 cm in diameter! It was
then sent to the pathology lab for analysis to ensure that the mass is benign
and doesn't present any further complications.
Most internists would not want to commit
to this kind of procedure in the office. Patients would rather have it done at
a surgical center or specialty facility. However, this patient was completely
willing and trusting of doing the procedure in the office.
I was just amazed by the trust exhibited
by the patient with Dr. But I understood the reasoning behind the patient.
Think of the convenience on the behalf of the patient.
If the patient had gone to a surgical
center, the excision would cost over $3,000 out of pocket. Then add the
ridiculous amount of paperwork and waiting time. On top of that, the patient
has no existing relationship with those Doc at that particular surgical center
or urgent center. The Doc patient relationship is critical in determining the
proper treatment for the patient.
