
As a concierge physician for seniors and home bound, it is my obligation to help patients and their families through hospitalizations. I know first-hand, through my father’s illness, how frustrating a hospital stay can be if there is not proper communication among all parties. Confusion, delays, miscommunication, and even medical errors can occur, which is why EVERY patient deserves to have an advocate when he/she is hospitalized. And moreover, you, the patient, should not be afraid to speak up as your own advocate. There is no reason for anyone to feel intimidated by doctors or their staff. They are part of your health care team and you, as the patient, are at the center of it!
During one’s hospital stay, patients are seen by nurses, residents, interns, medical students, attendings, social workers, physical therapists…and so on. No wonder patients often text me and say, “ I don’t know what is going on,” or “no one has really explained anything to me!” Some health care professionals are much better communicators than others, but it saddens me that our hospitals do not put more effort into communicating clearly with elderly patients and their families.
The first thing I say to a patient or the family when heading to the hospital is “I will try reaching the doctors, but just in case, give my cell phone to the attending or resident and ask them to call me”. I want the patient to know that I will help them through this and that I am going to try my best to communicate with the hospital team. Primary care physicians know our patients best!
The second thing I say to a patient and the family is “Don’t be afraid to ask questions!” And “When in doubt, reach out to me for advice.”
This higher level of communication also helps me to better care for my patients when they return home because I have a good understanding of what happened while hospitalized.
So, if you find yourself in the ER or hospitalized, or your loved one is hospitalized, speak up and be heard! Or maybe find a concierge physician to help you!
From my home to yours,
Christine Pluta, DO
Medical Director
Schuylkill Medical Associates, LLC
Smahousecalls.com
P.S. If you are interested in having a concierge house call physician for yourself or your loved one, please reach out. I am accepting new patients in Philadelphia.