Monday, April 30, 2007

Preventing Prevention

Sometimes I have to remind myself that I'm a grown-up now and that I need to take care of myself. Surely if I'm gonna be able to take care of a family someday, I need to work on this first. So, off I went for my "annual" checkups.

Even in medical technology, you can't help but be impressed with the Japanese. They are able to conduct almost a full examination without even touching a person. And somehow, they've managed to avoid that doctor's office smell that makes me anxious.

Still, examination after examination I walked away unsatisfied. What I've been observing is a peculiar policy to prevent prevention. I know it's a big statement but let me explain with this dialogue at my dental checkup.

Dr.: "are you feeling any pain or discomfort"
Dee: "no"
Dr.: "Ok, everything is fine."
Dee: "aren't you going to x-ray me?"
Dr.: "you don't have any pain, so it's not necessary."
Dee: "well, how can you tell if you don't x-ray. can you do it for me?"
Dr.: "i do not recommend it. if you experience pain please come back."
Dee: "but then it will be too late!" *grooooan

But it doesn't stop there. They don't test for HIV when you have blood tests and they don't test for any STDs with routine Pap smears either. Preventing prevention is a serious flaw in the medical system here. I just don't get it.

To me that was the equivalent of going to a Cardiologist - can you please check my heart? why, you feeling pain? no, but. well, come back when you're dead. Gee thanks! :-s

Next patient please...