Doctors

The urologist whom my "friendly" family doctor referred me to looks like a grizzly bear to me. I describe my family doctor as "friendly" because she worries about my health like a "friend" subjecting me to all kinds of medical investigations and then referring me to specialists for final opinion. She knows me as a hypochondria who will not take any health risk at the expense of cost (that's why her invoices always take me by surprise).

So a few days ago I began to have stomach crams which gradually shifted to the right upper abdomen accompanied by fever. Clinical examination and blood test point to kidney inflammation. Even though the fever has gone after a day's dosage of antibiotics she still recommended that I see a urologist to rule out stones which I readily agreed. If the urologist rings my door bell I would have thought he is my renovation contractor. Unlike most neat and clean shaven specialists, his shirt is not tucked in properly and hair ruffled like he had just gotten out of bed. After hearing my complaints he sent me for a CT scan. While waiting for the report to be back at his clinic I had ample time watching patients entering and leaving. Most of the patients are not locals. I can hear clearly the nurse explaining the content of the bill or the expected cost of medical procedures to be performed. I began to wonder about doctors. Could they be thinking if lawyers and investment bankers have it so easy earning big bucks why shouldn't they too for the good hard work they put in. My family doctor for example used to charge really reasonable fees and she draws a  crowd because she is detailed and patient. However over the years she started to include more types of medicine and supplement with each consultation. Of late she included an admin fee for referral. I began to wonder whether she gets a cut for every test, x'ray or scan she recommends. Her concerns begin to be costly.

Well the grizzly doctor turns out to be quite likable. The report ruled out kidney stones or inflammation. Instead it is diverticulitis, inflammation of pouches in the big intestines. He explained to me the problem as would a biology teacher drawing the anatomy on paper and talking like a contractor would about a structural building problem. He also wanted me to ask questions and clear whatever doubts I had. He looks like one who speaks his mind and waste no time on suave talk. Maybe because I was very shabbily dressed the bill turned out to be much less than I expected. Could it be this doctor does his own intuitive mean testing?

Maybe it's time for me to look for a grizzly family doctor as well.