1) Taking personal calls while a patient is waiting within earshot is rude.
I won't say it didn't bother me, but I understand. It just seemed a little unprofessional as he was right outside my door.
2) Legally, you own your x-rays but the doc is the legal custodian. You may request copies (not originals) at a reasonable cost.
Sounds fair, Is it considered rude to ask? I don't mind giving them a few bucks for them. I have a sports doc I used for both a knee and a foot surgury, and he was fantastic so I would just like to have him look at them. (he is an hour away so it's a little inconvenient)
3) He should have outlined a course of treatment with all alternatives discussed. Ie; If it isn't improving in 10 days, we'll do this. If that fails, we'll do this. Etc.
There was none of this. He kinda acted like I should suck it up or something. I have had over a dozen fractures, and enough soft tissue damage (snapped ACL/ demolished meniscus/ seven fractures in my foot/ severalsoftball sized sprained ankles) to know when it isn't something little and this ain't right.
4) Making a correct diagnosis is only a small part of his job. He sounds like a jerk. You should write a calm letter letting him know how he disappointed you.
His partner is great, that's probably why I didn't make a fuss. Happens he was off that day. But even then I don't know that I wouldn't be better off seeing my sports guy.
I appreciate your responses here, I really do. Do you have even a wild ass guess as to recovery time if it is a slight tear or stretch of the ligament (aren't they really the same?). I realize it might vary alot, but even a range would be useful. It's just that this hasn't gotten ANY better in the five days since it happened, if anything, worse. I mean I've had sprained ankles so bad I passed out and I was off crutches in five days
