Computers in Exam Rooms

[MrsMunier]

Aloha!

I am curious if anyone sees a Dr. who has a computer in the exam room. I go to Kaiser and they have computers in the rooms and its so annoying that they are typing and looking at the monitor the whole time your talking to them. I understand they are taking notes what you are saying, etc. But I find it very rude and uncomfortable. Like they aren't paying attention.

Enough of my rant for now:):)
MM

[Lulu54]

All the specialists I have seen this year work on computers - either pc's or laptops - but the PCP's are still using folders with lots of papers.  The system was down when I first met the GI doc, and you talk about panic - they all had to do it the old way and they were so discombobulated.  My cardio is wonderful with the computer - he usually logs out and talks with me and then logs back in to record things or check my records.  But he is also the type that would not turn his back on a patient, literally, to work on the pc station in their exam rooms.

This instant access to records is a good thing - for example my mri was read within an hour after it was done by a radiologist across town.  When I needed copies of my hospital records they could immediately send them to me by fax - there was no need to send a clerk to make copies and mail them.  

I would guess that doctors with good "bedside" manners can handle working with the computer in a way that doesn't interfere with the doctor/patient relationship.  Maybe that should be a new class in med school?

MS still Bytes!

Laura

[Sarahsmom46]

Yep, most have them these days.  In fact, i don't recall see a doctor lately that doesn't have one.  What is even more weird is to see the doctor actually walk in with one under his/her arm and plop it on the counter then walk out with it later.  There is this emphasis on going "paperless" that medical offices are supposed to convert to or something.  Get used to it a it is the wave of the present and future.  

One hint that has worked for me...Keep talking as they are typing.  I don't hesitate to keep saying what I am saying because they can't do two things at the same time.  One has to give eventually, either their typing or their listening.  I'd bet their typing will be the first to give in and if it doens't then I usually come around to where the he is typing and just stand there looking on.  :)

Julie

[speechgeek]

everyone is converting to electronic filing...the nice thing is that your doctors office will be able to get your labs, scans and reports from other physicians and hospitals  if they are in the same system. So for those docs that aren't as attention to detail another doc will have access to your records and may pick up on something.

Our docs here have to do all the diagnosis coding that goes in the system. This was traditionally done by a billing person...not any more here in Va. So docs are having to take the time to to enter things into the system. It is annoying I'm hoping they will get faster so they can focus more on pt. care. My PCP is a gem and I like the fact he can access all my labsdfrom the crew of  wacko docs that I have.

Rebeccah

[spastic]

I know how you feel with this, Sweetie.  I get so angry at them for just clicking through and scanning the reports when I am trying to explain something to them.  I know how I am when I am on the computer, captivated by whats on the screen and apparently I go deaf too, according to my hubby.  hehehe  One way to tune him out, I say!!!

But yes, I do think its rude, I know they are trying to preserve trees and all but sometimes, they need to see their old notes, a scribbly symptom list that they can only decipher.  I now take my medical records with me and show them, my IM looked through it the last time and I was complimented on its organization, she appreciated it.

Many Hugs,

Ada