This is true too of established acupuncturists and herbalists whose specialties care for patients with complex medical histories, complicated diseases or disorders and ever-evolving changes during the improvement in treating such complex medical problems. We most often schedule re-evaluations for patients who suffer from chronic fatigue, Epstein Barr Virus, fibromyalgia, migraines, infertility and weight loss.
The critical nature of these re-evals isn't always apparent to the patient. They may notice we sit and chat for an additional half an hour to one hour if their case is complex enough. However, they are completely unaware how much actual time we spend on their re-evaluation case, as we meticulously review their newly filled out paperwork to precisely compare it to their initial paperwork. We are sifting through years of medical history to see what pattern has changed for the better and what areas in their body needs more assistance to find it's balance and ultimate health.Typically this entire process takes about 2 hours: 1/2 an hour while the patient is waiting in the treatment room while we compare notes from months or even years earlier. Then we sit in the room with the patient analyzing their shen, affect, mood, coloring, pulse, tongue and thorough questioning. We do this subtly, while we ask about improvements in sleep cycles, moods, digestion and even menstrual changes. This takes another 1/2 hour to one hour.
Then, while the patient is resting during their acupuncture we construct a new treatment protocol and adjust our acupuncture treatments and herbal prescriptions to reflect these changes. Albeit, the patient often doesn't notice that too much has changed or that too much time has passed nor are they aware of the time we take while they are not in front of us. While the patient rests we create a new treatment plan often researching new referrals or medicinal prescriptions we haven't tried yet. We research contraindications, old medical texts and newer herbal medicine formula recommendations.
Then, we assess and change their vitamin regimen if necessary. The entire time spent on a re-evaluation of a patient can be 1 1/2 hours to 3 hours of intensive concentration, creativity and medical knowledge culminating into their next potent plan of action and costs a typical 6 minute visit to the doctor.
In our practice, if your medical problem is complicated, as is the case with many people who suffer from chronic fatigue, migraines or infertility: we suggest re-evaluations anywhere from 2 months to every 6 months depending on age, severity of symptoms and urgency for a resolution or intensity of pain. We never demand these re-evaluations but strongly encourage our patients to take advantage of our expertise and time we put into these essential re-evaluations of our patients complex medical problems.
Next time your practitioner or doctor suggests a re-evaluation, it's most likely a critical and pivotal turning point in the tide that changes your health. They clearly take your case seriously and don't leave you randomly in the background doing the same old treatment for the same old problem. They are investigative, and invested in your health and future. This is someone who cares deeply about their work, your health and ultimately helping you achieve your life long dream of feeling well or having a baby. This is a gift in the medical field, not a burden. In our rush, rush society, gotta have it now mentality we should shush that inner voice that wants everything fast. Think of the quality of good you get at fast food restaurants. This is not how we want to start marginalizing our medical care, in a matter of minutes or seconds. We want them to think it through, evaluate and re-create our next strategy. If your practitioner offers re-evaluations, have confidence your are in a practice that is advanced and specialized and recognizes that all good things take time.
Author: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M has been voted "Top Doc" twice, Business Person of the Year Chamber, Business Woman of the Year by National Association of Women Business Owners. She treats most medical problems from menstrual problems, to digestive ailments to pain syndromes and hormonal problems that causes heavy bleeding, irregular cycles and infertility. She can be found at her medical center: Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho
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