is there supposed to be a right answer?
no there isn't. the point of the question is to see if you can rationally think on your feet. for example, the old proven procedure vs new experimental procedure with better results, i said i'd go for the new experimental treatment (provided there are no contraindications) because i want to give my patient the best shot they have. of course, this depends on how much better the new is over the old. you can argue it the other way; the old procedure is a sure bet while you feel the new stuff carries too many risks.is there supposed to be a right answer?
i'd agree with you on the parents and child since the child is your patient. you have a duty to your patient not the parents.
yup. it's not fun but interesting to hear what you say. you really learn where you stand on a lot of things. i always make sure to preface the answer with something like "i don't hate xxxx type of person, but..." so they know i'm not biased but making a weighted decision.
i don't think you should have to know them, at least not obscure things. i think you should have an idea of your duties as a future physician but not laws. it actually makes the conversation more interactive when they ask you the question and you say, "well, i haven't been exposed to this subject material and i don't know if there are any laws concerning teenage pregnancy/abortion confidentiality. can you tell me what they are so i can give you a good answer?
i don't think it's that bad. whatever the case, i'd take him aside and talk about it. still behaves like a lunatic or wields his position over me? i'd go to his superior. if he's not harming patients, i wouldn't be as proactive about it but would still do something. i just personally think trying to fix the problem internally before starting a whole mess is better than jumping straight to the mess.
1) patient should know the diagnosis. i don't see how there would be any dilemma here, but i'm inexperienced.
To this and the "laws" post on this thread. No, we are not expected to be familiar with local or state laws regarding specific medical care questions. I faced this question during my interview and I started by saying "well, I'm not sure whether there might be some kind of legal intervention available" and the interviewer jumped in by saying "yes, there is...the state can take custody of the child to allow the procedure to occur." Thus I said that I would pursue that action in the interest of the patient. I argued that a 4 yr old (in this case) is not really old enough to make an informed decision about his healthcare or even the religion which he will practice, thus it's up the physician to make the most relevant medical decisions. If the parents do not agree with this then legal intervention should be sought. The judge will agree with the party that is most in accordance with the law, and the situation will be resolved.
But what if I'm just a hero by nature? >). DNR's usually specify what they will and won't accept. For instance, someone may wish to be defibrillated but not intubated, etc.
True, but then again.....dying isn't living either >).
But what's $75 in the long run? I make $55 a week just donating plasma...you're telling me that someone can't find some way to come up with such a small sum? Plus, let's face it...who ever said healthcare was supposed to be free in the first place? What if I told you I could download a CD for free and use this "little bit of theft" to save $14? What if my desire for the CD is just as strong as my need for the glasses? Wrong is always wrong...unless it's right, which it isn't here lol >).
I agree with the above post. If your heart bleeds that much over $75 it would be better to pay it yourself rather than commit insurance fraud. Also, doctors must bill charges for services rendered...but they do have the option of writing off unpaid bills as well. Look, if we were talking about a $10,000 surgery it would be one thing, but we're talking about the kind of money you can make anywhere...sell your TV in the newspaper, donate plasma, pull an extra shift, sell some old items on Ebay using library computer/Internet access, etc. You can't tell me that any American can't find a way to scrounge up $75 for a once-a-year expense. Just because someone doesn't want to give up their new 22's to do it doesn't mean they can't afford healthcare- it also doesn't mean that doctors should commit insurance fraud for their unwillingness to make personal sacrifices. Afterall, shouldn't our health be the first priority when it comes to money management?
