id was set in the arguments array for the "Sidebar 1" sidebar. Defaulting to "sidebar-1". Manually set the id to "sidebar-1" to silence this notice and keep existing sidebar content. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 4.2.0.) in /var/www/nih/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6114Friday, April 28th, 2017
Northern Indiana Hand and Wrist
Just yesterday I received a call from a very nice woman wanting to cancel an appointment made for her by another specialist. As I do with anyone calling for this reason, I asked the reason why. In doing so, I often gain valuable insight; perhaps the appointment requires a referral that isn’t yet in place or the appointment date conflicts with other plans. I was surprised by the reason she shared: she wanted to think it over before getting a steroid injection.
I paused before responding, because we hadn’t yet seen her in our office, no diagnosis had been established and no treatment plan suggested. She simply assumed that because she had carpal tunnel–like symptoms, she would have to have an injection, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to do that.
In small bits, she expressed to me her frustration in seeing doctor after doctor for the past two months with no conclusive test results, no definitive diagnosis, and no relief from symptoms. I commiserated; after all, we see patients every day who have similar feelings and, in fact, I have personally experienced this frustration in my own family.
What I conveyed to her—and what I would convey to anyone in the same situation—was that she was in charge of her health care decision making. No one would make her have a treatment that she didn’t necessarily want or hadn’t had time to mull over. We offer no pressure, just information.
For most patients the first visit with Dr. Mahon is simply an evaluation. You’ll spend time sharing your medical history, explaining your symptoms, and learning about your condition or injury. Treatment options—if appropriate—will be presented. You don’t have to have the recommended treatment at that visit. In fact, if you have any hesitation at all, we prefer you wait. We’ll provide you with information and suggested websites, even video, so that you can make an informed decision—but only when you’re ready.
You’re in charge of your health care. A specialist can help you better understand your options. For more information about why you should see a Hand Surgeon, please visit our YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/northernindianahand?feature=results_main.
Jill Cozart, Practice Manager
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