About that “prison question” incident

[smile-hope]

Thank you all for the kind replies. I’ll just put a new post here to update what happened to that “ prison question” incident.

I was supposed to come back in 48 hours to that doctor to check my TB skin test, but I so didn’t want to do that. After some thinking, I called the office and told the receptionist about my feeling and said I want cancel the appointment.

Later that day the receptionist called and explained what the doctor really meant is to ask wether I have ever worked in a prison. ( I m pretty sure I didn’t hear the word “work” from the doctor). She said the doctor is very sorry if it hurt my feeling and he could call and explain it to me himself if I want. ……

Anyway, I didn’t want to spend too much time on this matter and simply cancelled my appointment, because I would feel awkward to see him again, which means I will need to do another needle with my future new family doctor. Luckily it’s a very small needle, lol.

I’m moving at the end of this month so I would need to find a new family doctor anyway.

Thank you again for your kind replies.

[Eyak1971]

Having worked in the prison system as a teacher and having worked in social service tb testing is very common place so I understand the doctor's question. Hep B is another test I took during employment. I totally understand your decision making process. But for me I realize doctor's often ask some very unusual questions to help us. As long as I trust the doctor I often answer without hesitation or I ask for clarification because like you i sometimes miss what the doctor is truly asking or telling me. Take care and the best to you on your journey.

[smile-hope in reply to Eyak1971]

Thank you Eyak, I understand the doc want to get more information, it’s just the wording….

[Bax509]

I can understand how you might feel. Even though the test was appropriate, the doctor's words were not. Maybe he will not make the same mistake with the next patient. Communication is so important for good health outcomes and you have to feel confident in your relationship with your health care providers. This should be a "101" class for physicians.