I do recall one patient once who actually told me that his CPT just wouldn’t let him go to medical appointments. As in: he had missed appointments, actually didn’t show up for a surgery once. I offered to talk to his CO and he said please. Talked to the CPT and told him that if he doesn’t want his soldiers going to medical appointments, just don’t approve them. And if he approves them, let them go. A one-off is one thing, but patterns make it harder to take care of -other- soldiers who could have had those appointment times. Not to mention the cost of infilled OR time, and the fact that his soldier still has this medical problem.
He said something along the lines of “well, if I don’t approve the medical visit then it’s on me if he gets sick, but sometimes I need him here.” And I told him if he gets sick because you won’t let him follow up on his problem, that’s still on you (“dumba$$” redacted).
Ultimately I told him he’s the CO. I’m not going to judge whatever decision he makes. He knows what I recommend medically, and he would have to decide if it’s more important to have his soldier at work, or healthy. Just make a choice and stick with it.
Soldier had surgery the next week. I actually moved a case to make time for him.
Honestly, it isn’t always the soldier’s fault. Many times it is, frankly. But when it’s not I was happy to advocate for them.
