I had a patient he is a diabetic and hypertensive with added paranoia as a major problem. Taking the history and scrutinizing his records. I found that his major concern was fear of all possible complications. He had been 'doctor hopping', seeing several specialists for each symptom and had all possible investigations done-MRI brain (or headache), ct coronary angio thrice in the past 2 years) contrast ct abdomen etc. while each specialist referring him to another.
I enquired if he had a regular doctor at his place.The answer was no. Decades back, everyone had a trusted doctor, nearby who was more of a family friend treating and if required referring to other specialists and following the progress of a person the family physician. Why is this rare now? Are we not interacting much with our patients, getting to know them, spending time to know about their family, work etc? Are we now so…
