Offending Medics, by Dr. Ogi Ressel

Friday, June 19th 2009

Warm hellos to everyone!

Sounds like everyone enjoyed the "Dealing with Kids" THOT. Lots of letters,
cards, messages, calls.....Awesome!

Let's deal with a different issue for a moment. This is an issue which has
most Chiros feeling like second-class citizens - like you just climbed up from
under some rock. One of my Detroit Program doctors, Dr. Kristina, called
me for advice on this situation, and it is a situation most of us have endured
and suffered through - what do you do when one of your patients tells you
that their MD told them not to see you any longer (or a chiropractor any longer).
Tough call. Gets your blood boiling, your heart rate goes up and your stress
meter hits the red zone. I mean, who is this jerk that he can tell me
what to do? ...And when did he graduate from Chiropractic college?

Relax. It is most likely not personal!

The MD, in all likelihood, is just trying to do the best for his patient
(which also happens to be yours as well) based on his limited data. In his
circumstances, you'd do the same. The problem is NOT that he told his patient
not to see you. NO. The problem is that he did not consult with you prior to
his edict. This is where many MDs think that they are omnipotent and that you
do not matter.

Here is how to remedy this situation so that it NEVER happens again:

Personally visit this doctor in his office and tell his receptionist who you are
and that you need 5 min of his time.

Here is what I suggest you say:

"Hello Dr. _____. A pleasure to meet you. I'm Dr. _____. I understand that you
asked Mrs. Jones, who is a patient of mine as well as yours, not to see me. Is that
correct? (here is where most physicians back paddle). I know that you have her best
interests in mind but want you to know that your behavior was very unprofessional.
How would you like it if I asked one of your patients (and I have lots in my office)
not to see you again? Would that be Ok with you?

You should have consulted with me first. I am willing to forgive and forget that this
happened this time. However, should I hear a repeat performance, I want to you
know that I will lodge a formal complaint against you with your State Board for
unprofessional conduct and you will be investigated. I am certain that you would
not want to see your name in the headlines of our local paper: "Local Doctor Under
Investigation."

So, please consult with me in the future. Thank you for your time."

And you leave.

Please remember to do this professionally, with no anger, malice, or emotion.
You are simply drawing a line in the sand and telling the MD that he must
not cross that line. Period. Trust me on this - you will never have another
problem with any of the medics in town. Word will get out very quickly that
you are not to be toyed with. Of course, this will also end your relationship
with any MDs in town, and if that is the practice you aspire to, crumbs off the
table, then you should reconsider.

The issue is closed by having your attorney send the offending medic a letter
reiterating your position.

That is it. Short. Simple. And no prisoners are taken.

If you need clarification, please feel very welcome to call me.

Warmest wishes,
Dr. Ogi Ressel