MS Maze

It was like a flashback to years gone by.

This afternoon, I had my first visit with a new doctor. Expecting to have to fill out tedious forms upon my arrival, I was stunned to be handed a one-page questionnaire which asked only the most basic information –  name, age, address, phone number. The receptionist took the completed form from me, photocopied my insurance card, and pleasantly asked me to sit.

A few minutes later, a nurse came to show me to the examining room. She then proceeded to slowly ask about my health history and confirm the reason for my appointment. She took her time, asked follow-up questions, and even cracked a joke or two with me. Here it was, 5:00 pm, and she seemed in no particular hurry to rush me through the process.

Next came the doctor. An older gentleman with a nice smile and easy personality. Again, no attempt to rush. He looked at the nurse’s notes, asked a few more questions, and began his examination. Taking his time and explaining his thought process every step of the way, he had me quite at ease.

Then, wonder of wonders. He exited the room and said that we would finish talking in his office. There he did some more explaining about what he expected from test results. He also gave detailed explanations of two different prescription medications, leaving the final choice to me. Well past 5:00 now, he made sure that I had no further questions before wishing me a wonderful evening.

I was so taken aback and so impressed that I had to tell the receptionist on the way out. It used to be like that all the time, I remembered. In recent years, I had become accustomed to doctors who are too busy to spend three minutes on me, and who rush me out the door so fast that I am left stunned and full of questions.

This was my first doctor’s appointment in years that did not leave me totally stressed out. Thanks, doc. You are a credit to your profession, and you did more for me today that you realize. You are a healer!