An advantage of a Telemedical Consultation
WIthout rushing to a hospital - don't rush to hospital
Lessons Learned in ROJoson Telemedical Consultation (for the public)
To my patients and friends who trust me as a physician, DO NOT RUSH TO GOING TO HOSPITALS WITHOUT CONSULTING ME UNLESS THERE IS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION.
Case in Point today - March 28, 2020
A patient with advanced breast cancer with pain rushed to PGH this morning at about 10 am. While on the way, texted me they were on their way to PGH. I asked them why the family did it as they would encounter a lot of inconvenience and without informing me first. True enough, they did encounter checkpoints in PGH. They were told there were 2 COVID patients in the consultation room and asked them if they really wanted to take the risk. They called me up again. With difficulty, I facilitated their transfer to OMMC and asked the OMMC residents I know to just give parenteral pain meds and then discharged. They are now home at 6 pm. At 7pm, I conducted a telemedical consultation to check her status and educated the patient and the family on what they should do.
It is a hassle for the patient and the family and myself. I have to cancel several telemedical consultations just to help this patient - looking for doctors to see them.
SO, AGAIN, to my patients and friends who trust me as a physician, DO NOT RUSH TO GOING TO HOSPITALS WITHOUT CONSULTING ME UNLESS THERE IS A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION. This is my patient-centered care and advice to you.
ROJ@20mar28