MEDICAL: Let the patient decide

It’s my guess that each of you reading this letter would agree that decisions as to your medical/dental care rightly should be made by you, not your physicians. The Coeur d’Alene Press has warned us about scammers. Well, here’s one for you:

The local dentists are unwilling to schedule a six-month prophylaxis without an examination and bitewing X-rays, even for repeat patients. If you call to make an appointment for a six-month cleaning only, the receptionist will refuse to give you that appointment unless you are willing to also schedule a visual examination and bitewing X-ray. This is not a recommendation, but a requirement initiated by the dentist.

This “requirement” doesn’t set well with me, I don’t know about you. It’s been 20 years since I’ve had a cavity or any gum problems, yet, every six months I’ve succumbed to the doctor’s expectations, until now.

This week I was informed by the receptionist in my dental office that I wouldn’t find a dentist that would do otherwise. Now I’m not saying an X-ray should never be taken. In the case of sensitivity in a specific area, it would be prudent for YOU to OK an X-ray so the doctor can check out the area that cannot be visually examined.

I realize that running a business is for profit, but, as a consumer in a department store, café or restaurant, it’s my choice as to what I purchase, not the business owner’s. That choice also applies to my decision as to medical and dental treatment.

When people are diagnosed with cancer, does the doctor make the decision to operate? Of course not — it’s a patient decision because it’s their body. This is serious stuff, yet it remains a patient decision.

Come on, when physicians give you the ultimatum as to your dental and medical care, I’d say that is over the top. The question comes to mind, who really benefits from those six-month visual exams and bitewing X-rays? Can you say c-o-n-s-p-i-r-a-c-y?

JANIE HANSEN

Coeur d’Alene