Some weeks you're the windshield, some weeks you're the bug. This week at work, I've been both.
That sound you hear is the sound of work getting my bootay. Gosh, no other way to put it...
How do you explain to a patient who pays $20 per month total for her 12 prescriptions that she is contractually obligated to pay this? And the pharmacy is required by law to collect her copay Even when she says she can't afford it? But her $150 cigarette per month habit isn't an issue for her?
Most doctor's offices have no interest, or are too busy, or all of the above, to help patients get needed equipment, medications, and services. I have become an expert at badgering these folks in a nice way to address these patients' needs.
It was the Best of Times, It was the Worst of Times...
The appreciation from many of my patients is amazing, humbling, and inspiring.
There is also a lot of anger here on the front lines of health care, everybody wants every service, medicine, surgery covered without paying for it.
I work hard to remember I am not the one with the illness. I am not part of the problem, I am part of the solution because I listen and care.
People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.
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8 comments:
that is so true Martha about people wanting to know you care. I find the majority of people just want someone to listen to them and give them the time of day. That lady is getting off cheaply to get 12 prescriptions for $20. She should be very grateful for that fact (and stop smoking too)
I hope you have a great weekend; the weather should definitely cooperate I do believe
betty
Argh. I'm sorry Martha. A windshield you do not need to be.
I wish I could get 12 prescrips for 20 dollars--and I have good health insurance. And there are a lot who have none.
Glad you are there to listen and help.
How true, medication is all very well but sometimes we just need that human touch. Fascinating to read your account of health care, I can't help but think I'm lucky to be living in England.
Being in a "helping profession" can make you feel bipolar sometimes... it is such a high when you can make that connection with someone, and yet such a low when someone is demanding yet takes no responsibility for solving his/her own problem.
Hang in there, Martha, you are doing tons of good!
I could not do that job - I am waaaaay too mean. I'd be all "Honey, if you can afford cigarettes, you can afford your prescriptions, so spare me your sob stories!" This is why I should never work with people.
You have my eternal admiration for remaining caring and willing to help people, even when they're assholes.
I'm not sure if it's better to be the bug (and smashed to a pulp) or the windshield (often covered in crap). Please advise. :)
I hope you get to be the bug next week - wait that doesn't sound right either. I hope you get to be the windshield wiper and make it all good next week.
Ah, reminds me of the time I had a similar conversation with a mental health client, who was very angry Medicaid was requiring a $3 copay- because the $300/month marijuana habit was of prime importance. Though, in his defense, the only thing that separated him from many of my neighbors is he racks up debt with Mary Jane, and they rack up debt with Lexus SUVs and Coach purses.
Makes me glad to be frugal, solvent, and sane.
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