Not very impressed with the way a patient was talking to me over the phone.
She gives me her name and asks me if she should change her warfarin dose. She's been feeling a bit unwell in the past few days: not eating well, stomach pains, back pain. She's a bit constipated and there was a bit of bleeding probably due to some straining. She's taking Digoxin, metoprolol and warfarin (regular meds).
I bring up her record. She last purchased her meds in Nov 2011... haven't seen her since and she's not a regular patient.
Me: I don't seem to have a recent record of your history so I'm not sure what medications you are taking. What other new medications have you been taking besides the ones you told me recently?
She: Yeh that's coz i don't buy from you. I buy my meds from a discount chemist. And I just told you. Those are the ones I've been taking.
Me: New medications recently taken. For example, antibiotics or cold & flu??
She: Lemme think. Oh yes, I think i took an osteoporosis injection 2 weeks ago. I don't know if that would be relevant to my question though.
Me: Ok. It may be constipation that could be affecting ur apetite and stomach pains. You can increase fibre..... (she interrupts me)
She: Ok. Well i can't eat.
Me: in that case, you may been a laxative, possibly a suppository. Then again, you are also taking digoxin and warfarin, and I would advise you to see the doctor to get a blood test as you are on these medications and we gotta make sure ur levels are within range.
She: Well my doctor isnt in until Thursday. Should I reduce my warfarin dose? I am taking 8mg a day.
Me: Unfortunately I won't be able to answer that as i don't have access to ur INR levels or medications that you are taking. But in your case, you shouldn't wait for ur dr, just call up the medical centre and see another doctor who will be able to help you. They have access to your records.
She: Ain't you the pharmacy? Then that defeats the purpose of my phone call. It's useless calling you up when you don't have access to anyone's records.
Me: We are not affiliated with the medical centre. And for confidentiality reasons, I can't access them. I only have information on medications of patients who buy from the pharmacy.
She: Ain't you in the same building?
Me: Yes we are. But this building as 5 levels, there are specialist doctors, physios, dentists..... we don't have access to your records at the medical centre. You called up the pharmacy (even though you are not a regular customer) for advice. I am giving you advice based on the information you are giving me over the phone. My advice is for you to see another doctor (don't wait for ur GP who comes on thurs) in the meantime. You are asking me about warfarin dose. I don't have access to ur blood results and even if i do, its not me who determines the changes to ur dose.
She: Well then I guess I have to that then. You haven't been much help.
Me: Then I can't help you. Call the medical centre or call the discount pharmacy that you regularly shop at. You might get a chance there. Thank you.
She: Thanks ...... (i shut the phone in her face before she could finish)
Why call me for then? Waste my timeeeeeeeee .......... don't really care if she suffers from digoxin/warfarin toxicity.... she's got a regular pharmacy she doesn't call. and her gp is part of a medical centre she doesn't call. yet she calls us who she hardly buys from for advice and then doesn't appreciate the advice i give her...... wthhhh....
No comments:
Post a Comment