phone consults

[lynnpax]

"So I'd say that communication is the key, and there are not hard and fast rules how it should happen -- it's just essential that it does happen." Rosemary

I think Rosemary is correct: Yes, it is pref to see a pt in person but not always poss. Still, good works CAN be done long distance.

For instance, a friend asked me to treat her profoundly autistic nephew. She is a med professional and the child's mother is a pharm D. (Their are no homs where they are.)

On questioning I found that the mother had been in mourning during the pregnancy, and upon receiving the child's pic noted that he had a skinny neck and body.

I always check w/the aunt after talking w/the mother for followups as auntie is more able to give me objective assessments of the child's progress.

One and 1/2 yrs later, (after potty training) at the age of 6, the child is being main-streamed for kindergarten. He is not "all better" but much better than he was & treatment continues. His mother said to me "words cannot express..."

Another long-distance pt is responsible for introducing me to hom 25 yrs ago when I was facing a devastating illness. I was cured & became fascinated w/hom. Now that she is ill I am treating her (no charge !!!) I can tell her energy level, frame of mind just by the way she says hello. She also is doing much better. She says that I am the "best" hom she has seen & btw the only one to treat her long distance. (I'm sure I am not the best but I know her well & she loves & has confidence in me.)

It is not always poss to have ideal conditions for seeing pts but I do feel, whether seeing a pt long distance or in person, that it is absolutely neccesary to be able to objectively assess if we are doing good for the pt and if not withdraw from the case.

If there were clear hard & fast rules for everything - the world & life would be much easier.

Best regards,
Lynn

http://home.earthlink.net/~lynnpax/
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[Rosemary C Hyde PhD]

Lynn ended her lucid and well written post with this statement: "If there were clear hard & fast rules for everything - the world & life would be much easier."

Just wanted to say I have a feeling that may not actually be true. ) Rosemary
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