Doctor probems

[arosanner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? WisconsinWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

I am interested in receiving input on a medical issue. I have a 17 almost 18 year daughter who is petrified of going to the doctor. At one of her last visits her doctor was concerned because she thought she heard a heart murmur. She wanted her to have blood tests done but my daughter didn't want to have it done. We were pretty much forced to because the doctor said she was going to report me to child protective services if I didn't take her in. She had the test done and saw another doctor to find out the results. This doctor told her her blood tests were perfectly normal. The first doctor was also concerned about my daughter's weight. Let me state that she is only about 5 feet tall and is a vegan, meaning she eats no meat or animal products whatsoever. I know she eats plenty, and healthy, I see her do it. I told this to the doctor. Anyway the second doctor did talk to her about her diet and was confident that there is no issue with her eating habits, she is just a petite girl and is slim because of her vegan diet. Now the first doctor is still harassing us about her weight and wants my daughter to come in and be weighed. Can she force us to do this? I think this is just plain harrassment. My daughter has no medical issues, and is perfectly healthy. What can we do to get this doctor off our back?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[quincy]

Umm, just a guess here but, perhaps you can get your daughter a different doctor?

 

[las365]

How much does your daughter weigh?

Is your daughter seeing this doctor under a private health insurance plan? Coverage for military families? Medicaid? I am asking because I do not know what authority the first doctor may have in the system you are in.

Your daughter may be a perfectly healthy, happy vegan (like my sister). Or she may have an eating disorder and if she does, she is sly, manipulative, clever, and convincing in denying and covering it up. Eating disorders are deadly.

I am not saying that your daughter has a problem. I am saying that it can't hurt to take the doctor's concerns seriously.

 

[quincy]

There is nothing that can legally prevent you from getting a new doctor if you are not comfortable with the treatment you and your daughter are receiving from your current doctor. People change doctors all the time for various reasons. Being "petrified" of going to the doctor, and having to get second opinions frequently are two good reasons to look for a new one.

You should locate this new doctor first, before leaving your old one, so that your daughter will not be without medical care. Insurance coverage may limit your choices, but unless you are in a very very small town, you will have choices.

Once you find a new doctor whom you trust, one who will respect you and your daughter, request that medical records be transferred from your old doctor. Your new doctor will see from the records that the old doctor had concerns about your daughter's heart murmur and weight, and he/she will address those issues as necessary.

Later it would not hurt to inform your old doctor why you felt the need for a change in physicians.

You can check out this New York Times Company site about medical care. It stresses patient empowerment, your rights, and when to and how best to switch doctors: http://patients.about.com/od/therightdoctorforyou/a/howchgdoctors.htm.