Amy Dukoff
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 IAGNOSIS
is of paramount importance, and it is dependent on the patient’s chief
complaint. Because diagnosis begins with the patient, the essential requirement
for an accurate diagnosis—and for establishing patient trust—is the listening
skill of the practitioner and the practitioner’s staff. Listening to the
patient’s total needs, understanding them, and responding to them are vital
to achieving a proper treatment plan. The best plan satisfies the patient’s
needs.
Receptionists usually make the first step in diagnosis.
They are the ones who initially greet patients and ask them to fill out
the forms that provide needed information, including medical history, personal
information, and financial information. Through these forms, the patient
gives the medical team the first impression of the patient’s condition.
When the patient is seated in the chair, the practitioner reviews the information
that the patient provided. At this time, the patient also makes the practitioner
aware of the condition, as the patient perceives it. The patient will also
detail the history of the pain and the level of distress that accompanies
the condition. Understanding the patient’s pain will help the practitioner
diagnose the origin of the problem. The first few minutes will help establish
confidence and trust between the patient and the practitioner.
The patient’s financial and time constraints play
a role in what the treatment plan will ultimately be. Patients may be limited
to their insurance benefits or to their personal budget. It’s always wise
to inform the patient of all the treatment options with their corresponding
costs and long-term benefits. In addition to financial constraints, time
may be a large factor, especially in our mobile society, since patients
may be traveling frequently or planning to move. Depending on the patient’s
level of pain and its severity, the treatment plan may be altered to fit
the patient’s financial and time constraints. These two factors play a
large part in deciding on a treatment plan for the tooth in question.
Finalizing a treatment plan is the ultimate goal.
Sometimes it takes a team of specialists working side by side with the
practitioner to solve the patient’s individual needs. Having the patient
leave satisfied with the treatment plan is a great achievement.
Winter 2004
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Having
the patient leave satisfied with the treatment plan is a great achievement.
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