Author Topic: Is use of "medical provider" inappropriate?  (Read 41 times)

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Offline agate

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Is use of "medical provider" inappropriate?
« on: June 08, 2021, 09:41:52 pm »
This opinion piece objects to the use of the word "provider" to refer to doctors, nurses, clinics, and anyone else who performs a medical service or function.


From JAMA (May 28, 2021)--"Promoting Trust and Morale by Changing How the Word Provider Is Used":


https://bit.ly/3xbfDIL


The author argues that provider detracts from the professionalism of the services offered by medical practitioners. He maintains that using provider encourages patients to think of themselves as consumers, and he believes that patients do not think of themselves as consumers. Or do not want to.


But, in my opinion, patients are consumers and would do well to think of themselves as such. I've noticed that many patients have such a slavish devotion to their doctors/dentists/clinics that they will even take advice that they know to be flawed.  They might have avoided that problem if they had kept in mind that they can always seek a second opinion or change providers--or just say No to a recommended prescription or procedure or course of action.


I don't mind the use of provider.  My doctors and dentist are providers. So would my physical therapist be. And my pharmacist, my permanent equipment company (wheelchair, rollator, etc.), my hearing aid people, even my personal response system.  They're all providing services that are paid for. I have the option of doing without them or choosing different providers.


We may feel stuck with the providers we currently have, but on closer examination, isn't that feeling mostly due to the difficulties we know we'll have if we decide to change providers?  Yes, the process can be wearing and time-consuming--and emotionally upsetting. But sometimes it's necessary.



MS Speaks--online for 17 years

SPMS, diagnosed 1980. Avonex 2001-2004. Copaxone 2007-2010. Glatopa (glatiramer acetate 40mg 3 times/week) since 12/16/20.

 

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