10 Things to do & Not to do at Hospitals
My tryst with hospitals and doctors began last December and it continues to do so. Its been quite an experience - meeting doctors, handling emergencies, and the long waits in those typically nauseating, depressing corridors of the hospitals.
So, here's a list of the 10 things that you should/ should not do at Hospitals:
1. If Health is wealth, one cannot but overemphasize on the importance of its insurance. In a country where people are obsessed with life insurance,
knowledge of health insurance is surprisingly low. Yes, these big corporate hospitals are out there to cut your throat but they are zillion times better
than the overcrowded, dirty, lacking in facilities government hospitals. Bills can easily run into lacs of rupees. So its imperative to get health insurance cover.
2. Unless its an emergency that requires immediate surgery (appendicitis/ fatal accident etc.), mostly in all hospitals suffering patients are first
taken to the emergency ward. The patient is stabilized within sometime and then you are required to take a decision - whether to continue the treatment there
or somewhere else. Despite the pressure, call up elders/ friends/your family doctor but never take a hasty step. Get to know who are the best doctors in town for
that given scenario, try to talk to them if possible and then decide. Its not written anywhere that you can't change hospitals/ doctors.
3. Most doctors who I came across were real professionals. They are tech savvy, updated and most of the times know what they are doing.
Nowadays doctors do share all the information in a layman's language with patients/ well wishers (the closest ones only), therefore it is important for
someone to have knowledge (easy to find on the web) about the disease and get a complete scientific understanding of the picture.
4. Don't expect doctors to show emotions or get over involved for your case only. For them its another day at the office and they have not one but many patients.
Its best that at most two people talk to the doctor, get the clarity and fix up appointments. Its always better to sms rather than call. Doctors most of the times do get back.
5. Doctors also will not be taking decisions (especially in cases where there are options available - like going for chemotherapy or homeopathy treatment).
They are bound by the diktats of their profession and they can atmost give pointers/s statistics to what should be done. Consult with
other doctors to get an external opinion. Often very expensive treatments are suggested. Check asap with reliable people before taking the decision.
Always keep your family doctor in the loop.
6. Nurses are mostly south indian and speak Kannad/ Telegu. They nod in the Indian manner whereby you'll never be able to make out whether they are saying yes or no.
They are in general nice (doesn't necessarily mean caring). Every person has a boss and it becomes important that you need to speak to the boss.
Ensure that after you have emphasized your point to the boss infront of the nurse/sister in charge. Don't forget to compliment the nurse as she is the one who's
going to be with the patient for the better part of the day.
7. Its a normal human tendency to bitch about the services being offered. A hospital is not a place to create a ruckus. Report to the authorities in case of problems. Period.
Make friends with those in the waiting room. You not only get a chance to take your mind off but also get an understanding of a lot of things about the hospital, treatment, doctors etc.
Respect the visiting hours. Don't argue with the hospital staff. If you are stressed then so are they. A smiling, friendly attitude goes a long way.
8. Know the medical history of the patient. At least the very basic things like whether they are diabetic/ have allergies/ blood group.
Information filling can be really frustrating,tedious and tiring. Be patient and accurate with that.
9. Always choose those wards where there are other patients as well. These shared wards have a lot of space, patients can talk and feel better (sometimes) and they are a huge cost saver.
Operation costs that a hospital charges are linked to the kind of room you take. So, for a six bed shared room if the cost if Rs. 45000, then for a single suite it would be around 75000.
10. Lastly, check the bills. Recheck and triple check. All the details are mentioned. They do make mistakes. Do not hesitate to ask.
My tryst with hospitals and doctors began last December and it continues to do so. Its been quite an experience - meeting doctors, handling emergencies, and the long waits in those typically nauseating, depressing corridors of the hospitals.
So, here's a list of the 10 things that you should/ should not do at Hospitals:
1. If Health is wealth, one cannot but overemphasize on the importance of its insurance. In a country where people are obsessed with life insurance,
knowledge of health insurance is surprisingly low. Yes, these big corporate hospitals are out there to cut your throat but they are zillion times better
than the overcrowded, dirty, lacking in facilities government hospitals. Bills can easily run into lacs of rupees. So its imperative to get health insurance cover.
2. Unless its an emergency that requires immediate surgery (appendicitis/ fatal accident etc.), mostly in all hospitals suffering patients are first
taken to the emergency ward. The patient is stabilized within sometime and then you are required to take a decision - whether to continue the treatment there
or somewhere else. Despite the pressure, call up elders/ friends/your family doctor but never take a hasty step. Get to know who are the best doctors in town for
that given scenario, try to talk to them if possible and then decide. Its not written anywhere that you can't change hospitals/ doctors.
3. Most doctors who I came across were real professionals. They are tech savvy, updated and most of the times know what they are doing.
Nowadays doctors do share all the information in a layman's language with patients/ well wishers (the closest ones only), therefore it is important for
someone to have knowledge (easy to find on the web) about the disease and get a complete scientific understanding of the picture.
4. Don't expect doctors to show emotions or get over involved for your case only. For them its another day at the office and they have not one but many patients.
Its best that at most two people talk to the doctor, get the clarity and fix up appointments. Its always better to sms rather than call. Doctors most of the times do get back.
5. Doctors also will not be taking decisions (especially in cases where there are options available - like going for chemotherapy or homeopathy treatment).
They are bound by the diktats of their profession and they can atmost give pointers/s statistics to what should be done. Consult with
other doctors to get an external opinion. Often very expensive treatments are suggested. Check asap with reliable people before taking the decision.
Always keep your family doctor in the loop.
6. Nurses are mostly south indian and speak Kannad/ Telegu. They nod in the Indian manner whereby you'll never be able to make out whether they are saying yes or no.
They are in general nice (doesn't necessarily mean caring). Every person has a boss and it becomes important that you need to speak to the boss.
Ensure that after you have emphasized your point to the boss infront of the nurse/sister in charge. Don't forget to compliment the nurse as she is the one who's
going to be with the patient for the better part of the day.
7. Its a normal human tendency to bitch about the services being offered. A hospital is not a place to create a ruckus. Report to the authorities in case of problems. Period.
Make friends with those in the waiting room. You not only get a chance to take your mind off but also get an understanding of a lot of things about the hospital, treatment, doctors etc.
Respect the visiting hours. Don't argue with the hospital staff. If you are stressed then so are they. A smiling, friendly attitude goes a long way.
8. Know the medical history of the patient. At least the very basic things like whether they are diabetic/ have allergies/ blood group.
Information filling can be really frustrating,tedious and tiring. Be patient and accurate with that.
9. Always choose those wards where there are other patients as well. These shared wards have a lot of space, patients can talk and feel better (sometimes) and they are a huge cost saver.
Operation costs that a hospital charges are linked to the kind of room you take. So, for a six bed shared room if the cost if Rs. 45000, then for a single suite it would be around 75000.
10. Lastly, check the bills. Recheck and triple check. All the details are mentioned. They do make mistakes. Do not hesitate to ask.
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