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I'm having problems managing Type 2 Diabetes with medication
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Oct 25, 2021 | Replies (83)Comment receiving replies
@ginaquilts I can't help but be curious. How is a physical done over the phone? Obviously the physician cannot take your blood pressure, listen to your heart of any of the hands-on parts of a physical. I will be having a physical sometime in the near future so I am interested in hearing what can be done on the phone to make it a real physical. I have had other appointments on the phone.
JK
Replies to "@ginaquilts I can't help but be curious. How is a physical done over the phone? Obviously..."
My new PCP had me to do some homework beforehand I had my BP measurements at the ready, and before the visit, my husband assisted me with looking for any lumps, bumps, or weird patches of skin - none found I do not have a history of heart disease and my BP is in the low-normal range with no meds, so she wasn't worried about that for now, but does want to have a listen to my heart and lungs when we finally get to meet. I did ask how she would have assessed any lumps and bumps, and she said we could have had a video chat using my phone where I could maneuver the phone to give her a close-up view. Most of the information she got from me through careful questioning and taking the time to listen. The phone appointment lasted nearly 30 minutes, about twice the time of a normal visit, and I felt she was very thorough. It was much better than my previous visits at my HMO where I was rushed through and my concerns were ignored. This virtual visit was much more relaxed and put us on a more level playing field.
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@contentandwell. My last checkup was virtual, and I hope to find a new pcp (hopefully, a geriatric pcp) before my next checkup is due. Thought it rather silly to have a virtual checkup because of the risks of the virus but I had to go to the same medical center for my precheckup blood work. I then had a in person checkup five days later with a specialist. An AP took my doctor's place, and it was clear she really didn't quite know how to proceed. Perhaps if you're used to communicating this way with family with Zoom or whatever, you'll be more comfortable, but I was extremely uncomfortable. Think body language and small things one can only pickup in person are necessary, particularly when you are elderly - I have now a long list of chronic conditions, some of which I forget temporarily. These include skin conditions - a visual. No bp, no listening to lung and heart, no feeling for lumps and bumps. Hope for others it is good, and I can see a benefit when your "coming down with something," and need a quick check. I'd be interested in hearing what others think - I hope I'm not just being an "old fuddy duddy"