How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions ‘They Lost My Results?!’ A Cautionary Tale of Patient Concern
As healthcare consumers, we all have the right to advocate for ourselves and expect to receive information from our providers promptly and professionally. I was recently reminded of this fact when I learned of a frustrating situation with a woman in her 90s whom we know through our office. For several months, she experienced episodes where she’d feel well first thing in the morning but would get hammer tired shortly after breakfast. She barely had any strength to move, eat, or do anything at all, and she’d be confined to her couch for most of the day. She would typically perk up after eating at dinnertime, but her day would be shot by then. She went for test after test, but the cause of her situation proved elusive. Eventually, her problem worsened to the point where she went to the hospital for help. After being there for 5 days and
having more tests performed, she was sent home without an answer. Then, the waiting game began. At least three weeks went by without a single phone call. Running out of patience, she logged into her account on MyChart — an online portal that allows users to access their medical
hospital has called her about her abnormal test results.
records and test results — to get answers on her own. Her search revealed that one of the blood tests conducted at the hospital had levels 400 times higher than normal. Armed with this information — and understandably alarmed by the lack of communication from the hospital — she promptly scheduled a consultation with a neurologist. She was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis , a treatable condition that causes considerable muscle weakness. She is now taking medication, receiving weekly IV treatments, and feeling much better. To date, no one from the
This story reminds everyone to be diligent about following up on any test conducted on our bodies. When patients see us for a biopsy on their eyelid or other testing, we tell them they can count on hearing from us within 7 to 10 days — and to call us if they don’t. Whether you’re at a hospital or your local physician’s office, never accept being told, “If there’s nothing wrong, you won’t hear from us.” Your health is too important to let silence be the answer to your concerns.
Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter •
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2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces 1/2 cup cashew halves
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us seven referrals this month!
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1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
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DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
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