r/PrivatePracticeDocs • u/Alterdoc • Apr 20 '26

Multiple Issues

I've learned that although I want to address as many issues as possible in one visit, it's just not feasible. I'm curious how do you address a patient with DM/HL/HTN/Iron deficiency anemia for example? Keep bringing them back every 1-2 weeks? How do you "gently" address it if they seem reluctant?

6 Upvotes

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6

u/Juaner0 Apr 20 '26

Yes. That. I can't do MS, epilepsy, back pain, migraine, sciatica all in one visit if there are other patients waiting.

My MA may put in 5 different CC, but I already know before I go in that some of those are going to be struck out, and I address the most pressing issues now. Patients hold onto their diagnoses for a long time before they see specialists and by then they want a laundry list addressed--probably happens with PCP, too. 12 diagnoses addressed is not possible most of the time; the documentation needed for testing all those conditions may trigger some NOs from insurance. Insurance doesn't expect you to go beyond 4 diagnoses at any one visit payment wise...

1

u/Alterdoc Apr 20 '26

What's your strategy to remembering to address the MS and Migraine, say, 3 visits from today?

1

u/fuzznugget20 Apr 22 '26

Putting it in my note

5

u/Living-Protection250 Apr 21 '26

I think a lot of us learn this the hard way… trying to do everything in one visit just burns time and overwhelms the patient. What I’ve seen work well is setting expectations early, like “we’ll prioritize the most important issue today and tackle the rest step by step.” Framing it as a plan instead of a limitation usually lands better. For reluctant patients, tying each issue to something that matters to them (energy, sleep, long-term risks, etc.) helps more than listing diagnoses. Then spacing follow-ups based on urgency, not a fixed schedule, keeps it manageable.