I am always afraid of doctors other than ones I visit regularly in my hometown. But having got (almost) settled in Bangalore, I had to find some doctors here too. I some how landed with this dentist.
The dentist would be around 35 and he claims that he is member of American dental association (It could be true too). He has 2 good looking lady assistants [;)] and they call the dentist as 'The Chief Doctor!' They always smile (extra smile while looking at me [;)]).
Don't know why but there was a cosmetic effect in that clinic. Was not appearing like a typical clinic. Or may be, the 'not so clean' clinic and simply looking doctors at my place made me feel this one as cosmetic.
Even before finding fault with the dentist, I have to accept that I was given a good treatment and my root canal problem got solved (may be at a higher cost). I am going to tell about another patient.
When I was having treatment, a lady (around 30) with lip-stick (I should say this), layers of make-up and really slow walk sat in the adjacent seat. Obviously, the Chief stopped my treatment in the middle and went to that seat [:P]
I had no other go than to overhear what that lady is telling to the dentist [;)]
Now lets see the conversation. I will call that lady as 'Beauty' just to add glamor to this post[;)]
Dentist: Tell madam. Whats your problem?
Beauty: I had tooth pain for some time yesterday but never had pain after that. I am worried!
(Why worry? you should have been happy)
After closely inspecting the teeth, the doctor couldn't find any problem. But how can he miss the opportunity to make money?
Doctor: This is not a complete dental problem. But I won't say you don't have a dental problem completely.(Best way of confusing the patient)
Now the patient started giving clues...
Beauty: I actually had migraine problem
Doctor: Oh, then it could have been a migraine and dental problem occurring together. There are cases where tooth pain intrigues migraine (Full bluffing)
Beauty: My kid was not feeling well for past few weeks. I didn't have proper sleep
Doctor: Oh, then it is sleeplessness+ migraine+ dental problem... As I said earlier, this is not a complete dental problem. I have to say that one of your teeth is very long and it has to be removed. But you can do it later. (Creating an opportunity for future business). Anyways, I will cure this problem now.
He prescribed a toothpaste, a toothbrush, mouthwash and some vitamin tablets (Should I explain more about the links he might have with the pharma companies producing those items). He collected a consultation charge of Rs. 500/- The lady was happy
The doctor was very happy that he made business out of nothing. Suddenly he got reminded of me and started back the drilling work.
May be, the lady has lot of money and loads of fear that she came to doctor for no reason. The doctor behaved like yet another business man and used the opportunity.
Now arises all these questions from a lay-man like me.
Where are those doctors who don't prescribe medicines unnecessarily (even if they prescribe, the medicine cost will be not more than Rs. 30/-)?
Where are those doctors who give sample medicines (which they get from medical reps) free of cost to poor patients?
Where are those doctors who don't ask for all the test reports (blood, urine, motion, saliva, sweat... hooof..did i leave anything?) and that too tested only from place they recommend (for what else other than getting commission)
I won't generalise this for the entire doctor community. Still there are genuine doctors. But it is unfortunate that they are becoming fewer and fewer.
Public! It is time we all have to be very careful with them. Medicine is not a (real) service industry any more and many doctors don't deserve a 'God' status any more. They have opened the shop and now it is all left with us not to get cheated. Pure business!
I have been so far speaking about doctors who got graduation. There are group of fake ones who look and speak like professional doctors.
The list of complaints go on... I hear voices from all sides. Karthik, you forgot to mention about the Kidney theft. Hey Karthik, what about medicine tests on poor people causing long term non-curable diseases?.......
Man, I am getting frightened as I dig more and more.
Beware of doctors!
