The topic of healthcare is a hot discussion at the moment. Almost exclusively, not for good reasons. A trip to the doctor can be saved by a quick Google search and telling a physician what you think might be wrong based on what you discovered. The diagnosis is pretty accurate, and that is troubling. Does this sound familiar?

Over the past few months, I’ve had a series of health issues arise that have been the most serious that I’ve ever encountered, but my trust in clinicians diminished years earlier from a bad experience. I recall sitting on the table and the doc told me everything that could be wrong. I brought up what my thoughts were from generated research that I conducted online, and he dismissively gave me a firm no.

The doctor was older and very well established. While I felt disregarded and I did not agree with the results, I trusted his professional opinion. That was an expensive mistake. Years later I discovered that the prognosis I suggested was accurate. Had he gotten over himself and the idea of someone 30 years younger than him with no medical training accurately forming a conclusion, then he, at minimum, could have conducted additional testing.

That was one of the most disappointing outcomes that I have had happen because the condition only got worse with time. But, Google already gave me the solution prior to the doctor not doing so. I found this out later by going to an urgent care. Google did a much better job at an extensively cheaper rate.

In addition, people must submit to discrimination and entitlement from doctors while hospitals and practices make it impossible for complaints to be filed. What’s with that, anyway? Once again, we then have to turn to Google to figure that part out, too.

Have doctors gotten lazy, are they truly concerned with covid rules, or have they become that jaded? When does it become justified to have serious medical results delivered by a computer screen and not an in-person doctor?

As algorithms enhance and convenience becomes essential, yes, Google is invited to become my doctor. This also eliminates the ambiguity and awkwardness of fees that hospitals hide, for some reason (another Google search that we turn to for answers).

The real question is why? Why must we turn to Google for symptoms, treatment/remedies, medication (suggestions), follow-up, and projected costs (if these services are sought elsewhere as the last treatment option)? The short answer, for me, is respect.

People want the respect that hospitals are refusing to give.

I recently went to an appointment and the doctor seemed either frustrated that I was there, that she was there, or that we were both there. She rushed through details, barely made eye contact, and made a very prejudiced comment about my condition. One thing that I loved about this hospital was the transparent communication directly with doctors by using a chat and email feature.

This particular doctor was extremely rude and condescending. Since the encounter, I have not spoken with or chatted with her since that visit because any questions I ask go through her nurses only. This means instead of her responding to me straight away, it takes a few additional days to weeks of awaiting a reply simply because she refuses to interact with me.

I am inclined to believe this is discrimination based on the interaction during the initial visit but I have tried to assume the positive because there are not as many options for my condition. Shame.

This pushes people to rely on virtual visits simply to avoid negative encounters and ambivalence.

I recall a visit I had when I got sick during a vacation. I went to urgent care and spent hours waiting for the doctor. I figured this person must be really busy from the waiting room numbers. When it was finally my turn, I walked back into a room, sat in a chair, and patiently waited for the doctor to walk in. Then the TV came on.

A person came on the screen and began to diagnose my symptoms. I was never told that this was a virtual visit or center and only found out later that it would have been cheaper to do the exact same thing from my hotel room. What a horrible business model. An entire office dedicated to charging people extra money for virtual visits that are cheaper for the patient from home? People are tired of being victims.

What can patients do?

Well, unless you commit yourself to Google for an answer to that, there aren’t a lot of options. Doctors are in an exclusive secret club that outsiders are not allowed to apply to. While it may seem like a waste of time, I tried:

• Completing the after visit survey
• Calling the office, more than once
• Emailing the office
• Complaining to other doctors at the hospital
• Writing bad reviews to catch someone’s attention at the hospital (to no avail)
• Telling the nurse(s) about the doctor
• Requesting a new doctor (which was denied)
• Sucked it up and rolled my eyes while writing more bad reviews on every healthcare, customer service, company, and…Google website

Google is perfectly aware of its influence in the healthcare industry as seen here. Why not, there is already Google Scholar, Google Travel, Google Books, and several others. I’m sure it won’t be long before we see Google Pets, our not-so furry AI to companionship.

What experiences have you had with the healthcare industry now that there are more options for virtual visits? Would you prefer in-person if risks weren’t a factor? Subscribe and share your story!