It’s Always The Doctor’s Fault, Right?
Let me ask you doctors out there one easy question. What is the biggest stress you have when a patient comes in and they obviously have a cold? Most, if not all, of you will say the impending fight over why you are not giving them an antibiotic. I have given you my personal example on this blog before. Anyway, it was to my surprise when I saw this article in Men’s Health that it is the DOCTOR’S FAULT for pushing antibiotics! You have got to be kidding me. Even better, was good old Ted Epperly MD, past president of the AAFP, who was quoted as the big source in the piece. He is the Men’s Health family advisor, you know. Dude, if you are going to “lend” your services to rag mags like Men’s Health, you may want to control some of the material. It is not always possible but is it worth selling your colleagues out with a headline like that? Probably not.
Back in the paleozoic era (early 1970s), when I was in family practice, I printed up a handout explaining that antibiotics can be good to treat bacterial infections, but not viral infections like the cold. I would also explain it to patients, they acknowledged that fact, but they would still end the discussion with, “Can I have my antibiotics?”
Oh, good grief. I’d say this guy has been smoking something, but I suspect he hasn’t touched a patient in years and has no idea what we deal with on a daily basis. One day I am going to lose it and say “listen to me, you stupid maroon…you have a COLD. No antibiotic is going to make you a bit better and if you’re gonna have a fit get out of my office!” But that day has not yet come.
It’s also our fault for the painxiety medication abuse epidemic. My favorite bull-roar from the hydrocodone-Xanax QID addict: “I ONLY take what THOSE DOCTORS TELL ME I HAVE TO TAKE!” You poor soul, being forced by those mean ol’ doctors!
It’s the fault of prescribers who gave everyone a “Z-Pack” for everything. Is that good marketing? Is that patients asking for it? Is it fear of losing patients? I can’t tell you how many people would see me and tell me “my doctor always gives it to me when I have a cold”.
I told patients that they would only get what what needed and let’s save the “big gun antibiotics for the big gun infections”. I also said when I did not think they needed anything that they should give it a few days and if not better, I would be happy to see them again. Most were better.
Men’s Health commonly has inaccurate information. Agree about the advisors for sure.
Dave Mittman, PA
A past president of an organization that supported policies that made it harder for PriCare docs to make a living, chiding them for trying to stay profitable. Typical.