I recently had my Medicare annual checkup. The checks in the checkup turned out to be the boxes on the computer screen carefully completed by my Internist. As she smiled and we chatted, there were a lot of computer screens to complete. “Let’s see,” she said, “any new problems, any change in your meds, do you need refills? Now how about your immunizations? Your weight and BP seem good? One of your lab tests is borderline and we should recheck it? Also Medicare wants everyone to get an HIV test in their lifetime!” What!
The amazing thing about the 30 minute visit is that she never once touched me. I passed the dementia screen and all the check boxes got completed. Medicare quality reviewers will likely be happy. But what about the laying on of hands? Could I have a heart murmur or enlarged liver? Won’t find that out with the computer checks!
Note: Stanford Professor Abraham Verghese (author of Cutting for Stone) has a wonderful TED talk about the importance of the bedside exam. He’s trying to pass his wisdom on to young physicians. Maybe I can get my doctor to watch it:
I had the same unsatisfying experience except my internist listened to my heart when I mentioned that I have some shortness of breath. Computers are most definitely both a blessing and a curse.