The Wisconsin State Journal Chris Rickert column [The Wisconsin State Journal]
By Chris Rickert, The Wisconsin State Journal | |
Source: | McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
In an era when few doctors make house calls, seven local physicians made a "protest call" to hand out sick notes to the public employees who descended on the state Capitol last February to denounce Gov.
At a table set up near the Square, the physicians conducted examinations and took down names, birth dates and dates off work, according to the state
In any case, the entire episode got me thinking about the medical access the rest of us get when sick -- or at least claim to be.
Certainly, no doctor comes to my home or workplace when I get a case of the sniffles. I go to them.
If I've called my doctor's office early enough, I can usually get an appointment there that day. If not, it's off to urgent care, where the lines can be long.
Either way, there's always the requisite confirmation of health insurance coverage and co-pays, typically in the
The process isn't as hassle-free as that enjoyed by the Capitol protesters, in other words -- especially if you have something more diagnosable than Scott Walkeritis.
It's probably even less hassle-free for those who, unlike me, aren't lucky enough to have decent health insurance and access to medical care.
It makes me wonder whether the average physician might be willing to set up a sidewalk clinic to do free examinations and pass out sick notes to, for example, part-time
(Because I'm guessing that if a bunch of
Obviously though,
Offering your patients a free drive-by exam and get-out-of-work excuse on a cold February day at the Capitol might simply be akin to getting points on your credit card, or a free latte after you've bought 10 at regular price.
Perhaps it's just good business in medicine, as in any business, to keep your regular customers happy.
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Wordcount: | 562 |
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