The Role of Doctors in Weight Loss
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I stopped prodding my doc for help losing weight a long time ago. "Don't eat so much fried food" does not constitute weight loss advice, especially when he never bothered to find out how much fried food I was eating. I took his "There's nothing wrong with you except that you're too heavy," found myself on MFP, and have been losing ever since.0
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This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Not sure how it is now (haven't lived in US for 14 years), but back then, yes you had to pay for every visit and every prescription. I'm not sure how insurance worked for coverage because I couldn't afford it. I had to chose between buy meds or paying the doctor. The clinic would at least send me a bill each month.
I live in the U.S. and have a co-pay for every single visit under my health insurance plan through work.0 -
Obesity is now listed as a disease by the AMA (2013).
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/jun/18/science/la-sci-obesity-disease-201306190 -
This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Depends on your insurance, traditionally. I had a small co-pay (good insurance through work). Now with the new health insurance laws routine care is supposed to be 100% covered, so they can't require a co-pay (which I have some issues with, but they are off topic).0 -
This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
By law, all ACA-compliant major medical plans in the USA have to cover wellness checks (including things like immunizations) at 100%. From there, though, things can get crazy fast. I work for a company that does benefit enrollments for nationwide corporations, unions, and municipalities, so I see plans that run the gamut. Living in a society that has a for-profit health system is maddening.0 -
My doctor told me to stop counting calories. He said that with all the exercising I do it I should be fine. I just need to stick to three meals aday.
And that if my husband is happy with my body there's no need to go on a diet?!!
From that I took away the cut down to three meals aday!!0 -
My Dr Is pretty good. He refers me to specialist when he can not handle something himself. When it came to weight loss he set up with a weight loss education program covered by my insurance. The class is very in line with what most people preach on MFP. When I first started losing weight my doctor ran a bunch of blood tests just to make sure I didn't have any diseases since i was loosing at the top end of the safe amount to loose.0
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Every time I go to make an appointment, the triage nurse at my doctor's office argues with me on whether or not I actually need an appointment. For instance, I donated blood and got a really bad rash as the bruise was healing. The rash was only in the spot where the bruise had been, and the bruise was turning yellow and appeared to be healing well. When I called to make an appointment, the response was "I don't know what you want us to do, the rash should go away on it's own" Thanks Captain Obvious, I was kinda hoping you could tell me why it was there in the first place. There's a shortage around here, and since I'm on Medicaid it makes it even harder to switch.0
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cupcakesplz wrote: »My doctor told me to stop counting calories. He said that with all the exercising I do it I should be fine. I just need to stick to three meals aday.
And that if my husband is happy with my body there's no need to go on a diet?!!
From that I took away the cut down to three meals aday!!
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In the us free physical is federal law under obamacare. If you are being charged, they are breaking the law.This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
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They've been phasing it in, though.0
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I just mentioned my experiences with doctors and weight on the "I've been thin and I've been fat" thread yesterday.
Basically, I gained 25 pounds in 6 weeks after giving in to violent sugar cravings when I was put on a new set of psych meds last summer. At my 6 week check-up with the psych NP, he took me off that medication. I figured my weight would trend back down after that, but I gained 5 more by December, putting me at almost 20 lbs above the top of my recommended weight range. I see my nephrologist every three months, and he didn't mention the ultra fast weight gain at all. He didn't even seem too concerned that my blood pressure was averaging higher.
I had lost about 35 lbs when I saw him last month. And I pointed it out. He actually said something along the lines of "Isn't it inappropriate to discuss a woman's weight?" Dude, you're a doctor. The top two causes of kidney failure are hypertension and diabetes. I understand not wanting anyone to *feel* bad, but that attitude is so dangerous. I told him that it's an important thing to discuss with his patients, especially if it's a dramatic weight gain! He's a great doctor, otherwise. Of course, I was his first patient when he started at this practice, and he kind of hit the jackpot getting a patient with a rare disease and 15 year old transplant who is proactive about her health.
On the other side of things, When I first got sick, I dropped about 10 lbs from the constant migraines and renal diet. I was 4 lbs under my lowest recommended weight, and they threatened hospitalization for anorexia. I was in heaven when they prescribed Ensure bars. I didn't mind being skinny, but my appetite was never the problem. By the time I had my transplant, I was the same weight, but the surgeon asked me if I had been working out when he examined my abs pre-surgery! I told him I had, because I knew I would be needing to heal from a transplant at any time within the next 5 years!
I had a minor procedure today, and percocet makes me needlessly verbose. I'm sorry if you read this all the way through and didn't get anything out of it.
Personally, I've rarely had bad or useless doctors. I've been through some bad healthcare groups in a general sense, and I had to switch some doctors around last year due to insurance problems. I even had to go without my transplant meds for an entire week because I was homeless and found housing in a different city. The ER doctor I saw wrote me a prescription for a specific brand that needed to be ordered through a lengthy mail-in process. Luckily, Walgreens (of all places) managed to solve the problem, and I was able to get in with a primary care the following week. I found my current PCP after my insurance dropped my other one. I just looked up physicians at my insurance company's website that were taking new patients, and narrowed it down from there. She's the greatest. I only see her once a year, but she takes care of my millions of referrals and I see the NP for minor stuff like shots and smears.
You know you're disabled when you talk about medical stuff like it's your profession.0 -
Vaccinations and yearly wellness exams only. After that, copays vary among insurance carriers. Here's a link on Obamacareandympanda wrote: »
In the us free physical is federal law under obamacare. If you are being charged, they are breaking the law.This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
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I went to the doctor for a routine check-up. I got on the scales (as per routine) and he said "Well You've put on quite a lot of weight, haven't you?". I hadn't realised just how much and I was shocked. Visibly shocked. I burst in to tears. His response wasn't to sympathize and talk through some kind of plan with me, he just said "Don't eat carbs and go to the gym". Considering my medical records will show I have struggled with an eating disorder in the past, I was absolutely distraught to be told that I am pretty damm overweight and then given the most ridiculous advice ever. Totally ruined my day and I haven't been back to the doctor in over 4 months! I think these issues need to be dealt with a little more delicately..
A GOOD GP will support you and help you reach your goals - weight gain/loss is related to your HEALTH which is what they are supposed to be experts on, so if you have a good GP then take advantage of what they can offer. Unfortunately, I don't have a good GP and therefore had to start from scratch. I soon dismissed his ridiculous "Don't eat carbs" and "Just run". He was only interested in lowering my BMI. Nevermind my mental health.0 -
Vetticus_3 wrote: »http://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/7155/20150824/study-reveals-the-key-to-success-in-weight-loss.htm
Hi,
I'm just linking an article which mentions the importance of having a supportive doctor in weight loss.
This sort of hit home for me. This happened to me a couple of months ago.
I'm usually not sick. I don't visit the doctors that often (maybe once a year, if that). I do have a herniated back, which I manage with physio and pilates. Anyway, I recently moved, my back gave me some problems, and needed to get a new physio (a referral from a friend with a similar problem). To make a long story short, he was terrible, and made my back worse. From that, I decided to get a referral from the GP.
At the same as my back issues happened, my BMI crept up to 30 (the heaviest I've ever been - and this was on my really dodgy scales). The thing is, I wasn't really over eating. I don't indulge in chocolate or take out. I don't buy prepackaged food. I'm a vegetable and protein person. I thought it might be a health issue. (It turned out it's big-portion issue...
)
I had never been to this GP before - and it was a week long wait. I figured, I've never talked to a doctor about weight loss before, and thought she could help. I was expecting her to record my weight and measurements, and a blood test to check thyroid levels - maybe see the nurse or something.
What I got was a big bunch of nothing.
Not only did she not help with my back (no referral, just a suggestion that I should do pilates... which I've been doing for years)... but her advice on weight loss was that she has no problem keeping her weight down. And I was too thin to get any nutritional advice from the dietician.
I'm serious. This was all she said: She has no problem keeping her weight within a healthy BMI. How is that supposed to help me? And I was on the threshold of being obese.
No measurements.
No scales.
No advice.
I got so mad. And when I asked if this was usual (on another weight loss forum)... it happens all the time. How are people supposed to get medical help when the GPs don't do anything?
I've noticed that there is the flow chart that pops up when people don't lose weight - and after exhausting all the possibilities it suggests seeing a doctor to check for health issues. Has anyone gotten a good response when talking to their GP about these health checks?
Anyway, I got so mad I went back to CICO and then I joined this website a couple of weeks later. 6kgs down, and other 8kgs to go (on good reliable scales).
Just thought I'd share. Maybe someone has some information regarding supportive GPs when it comes to weight loss.
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tincanonastring wrote: »This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
By law, all ACA-compliant major medical plans in the USA have to cover wellness checks (including things like immunizations) at 100%. From there, though, things can get crazy fast. I work for a company that does benefit enrollments for nationwide corporations, unions, and municipalities, so I see plans that run the gamut. Living in a society that has a for-profit health system is maddening.
Bottom line is you end up paying for every visit, whether your insurance covers it or not. In the US we are now doing "TeleDoc" to minimize cost of visit, so physicians can consult by phone or vidcon and diagnose and prescribe.0 -
I have never found help with my primary doctors either and I have been "obese" since I was young. I have asked several times and they shrug it off or say to excersise more. Finally, I went to a weightloss doc and met with a dietician. She was fabulous with tips and advise on both what type of diet I needed for my body type and what excersise was best for me. Then I met with the doc and he reviewed it all with me and helped me set goals and time frames. He also prescribed appetite suppressant to help me get going. This was two days ago and im so excited to see where it goes. I would recommend a specialist!
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tincanonastring wrote: »This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
By law, all ACA-compliant major medical plans in the USA have to cover wellness checks (including things like immunizations) at 100%. From there, though, things can get crazy fast. I work for a company that does benefit enrollments for nationwide corporations, unions, and municipalities, so I see plans that run the gamut. Living in a society that has a for-profit health system is maddening.
Bottom line is you end up paying for every visit, whether your insurance covers it or not. In the US we are now doing "TeleDoc" to minimize cost of visit, so physicians can consult by phone or vidcon and diagnose and prescribe.
Yep. It's semantics. You're either paying for it through your premiums and out-of-pocket costs or you're paying for it directly to the doctor's office.
ETA: To be fair, though, even in a single-payer system, it's still a service you pay for. Instead of insurance premiums, you're paying higher taxes.0 -
tincanonastring wrote: »This is also why the GP population is dwindling. No glory, no money, all grief. You don't need a GP for this other than to confirm you are healthy enough to start an exercise program.
There is simply too much information for one person to know - the purpose of a generalist is to point you in the right direction and assemble the data for a proper comprehensive diagnosis.
Ahree about need for a GP unless theres a serious reason and then you can put it to them. I think GPs salaries will vary enormously by country. In the UK there are often a lot of female GPs as its a job they cna do part time. Its suprisingly well paid.
Do you people in the US have to pay for every visit/ consultation?
Technically, yes. But it depends on the insurance provider. Some allow for a free physical exam every year, some do wellness visits for free. Otherwise, most insurance plans have a deductible amount where all medical costs incurred are paid by the patient, then a percentage of all medical costs is covered until an out-of-pocket limit is met, and then the insurance plan covers all costs.
By law, all ACA-compliant major medical plans in the USA have to cover wellness checks (including things like immunizations) at 100%. From there, though, things can get crazy fast. I work for a company that does benefit enrollments for nationwide corporations, unions, and municipalities, so I see plans that run the gamut. Living in a society that has a for-profit health system is maddening.
Bottom line is you end up paying for every visit, whether your insurance covers it or not. In the US we are now doing "TeleDoc" to minimize cost of visit, so physicians can consult by phone or vidcon and diagnose and prescribe.
True, nothing in life is free. Either you pay up front, the costs are hidden, or you are taxed out the wazoo for it.
But what I really wanted to comment on is the "TeleDoc" concept. There's an additional push to develop remote analytics usable via an internet device, particularly smartphones, to not only aid in diagnosis but also in monitoring treatment (because compliance is a huge problem) and out-patient physical rehabilitation. You can imagine a systems that could not only monitor when you do your rehab (compliance again) or take your medication, but could also give you feedback on whether your movement is correct or on particular health markers. It has enormous potential to advance medical treatment and research if it can be done in such a way that it protects patient privacy.0
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