Comments on: Paul Levy on Safe, Quality Hospital Care

By: LiLLy Abbott

LiLLy Abbott — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:30:03 +0000

Last year when in Maryland for business, I got hit by a car and ended up in a hospital in Baltimore where they gave me Vicodin for the pain. Since this time I have suffered from pain in my legs due to damage to the nerves in my lower back and legs. I cannot buy Hydrocodone in my country where Oxycontin is the only medication prescribed for more severe pain, and while I have no problems obtaining a prescription for this drug, I find it considerably more addictive. When recently reading about findrxonline I was wondering if US online pharmacies (or regular ones) can ship Vicodin or Lortab to other countries if I obtain a prescription from a doctor in the USA? Any knowledge regarding is much appreciated. Thanks.

By: Jaydee

Jaydee — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:08:15 +0000

What a doh-doh you sound like right now, Mr. Vijay, to think that it’s a negative thing for a wife to thank a husband for coming to visit her in hospital. I think it smacks of that doctor-from-India-arrogance I see so often on our side of the ocean. Here in the West, the majority of Americans and Canadians whose families have been in America or Canada for at least three generations, show true respect by thanking ANYONE who makes an effort for him/her. In this case, the woman simply thanked her husband as a human who had to check his schedule, get the car started, etc. etc. as anyone else would have had to. I really think the original British spirit of thanking anyone for every little thing, which we Americans inherited, needs to rub off on the East. The East TALKS about gentleness and consideration and family ties, but it irks me when I see Easterners taking so much for granted, and assuming only they know what “family” means.
Another thing that really bothers me about your article-with-comments is your confirmation that doctors in India dislike patients and their families being know-it-alls. Listen, I’ve just about completed my own medical studies — expect to obtain my MD next spring — and I can tell you, the mistakes and stories that I have already seen and heard of regarding mistakes doctors and hospitals make, are horrendous. I say, LET people keep abreast of their situations re internet and sharp ears in the hospital, and LET them tell the doctor what they think — it’s all for the patient’s good. Too bad about the doctor’s pride. Or is pride what being an MD in India is all about?

By: Lekhni

Lekhni — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:37:14 +0000

On the last point you made (about the wife thanking her husband), have you read this study? I am still shaking my head in dismay.

By: Rural Physician

Rural Physician — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:59:21 +0000

It’s a different culture, Vijay!”

*Nods.*

Nurses and doctors cure the patient but social workers heal the family.

I would replace “cure” with “treat”.

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:48:17 +0000

This is a good step towards better hospital care. The transparency will help patients have better visitations and will give the doctor and nurse a better way to treat patients.