Health & Fitness
The Truth About Lying to Your Physician
Guess what? If you're lying to your physician, we probably know. It is not uncommon for patients to lie; in fact, it's becoming a regular practice.
Guess what? If you’re lying to your physician, we probably know. It is not uncommon for patients to lie; in fact, it’s becoming a regular practice. That’s why today’s medical residents are now learning to double the amount when a patient says he or she has only a couple drinks or cigarettes per week. And it’s not just lies about cigarettes and alcohol; other common lies involve diet and exercise routines, medication adherence, sexual history and more.
Several studies have found that less time with the physician can mean more lying. When physicians see so many patients over the course of a day, the time spent with each one dwindles down to an average of only 19 minutes – making it difficult to build strong, trusting physician-patient relationships. And, because frequent communication with the doctor helps build a patient’s overall sense of trust and comfort, rushed appointments can heighten their inclination to fib. Knowing that typical primary care physicians don’t have the time to build trusting relationships with their patients, it comes at no surprise that many of today’s patients don’t feel comfortable telling the truth.
Unfortunately, the rush most patient experience and subsequent lying can do more than add their name to the “naughty list,” it can have a negative impact their health. Whether it’s out of embarrassment or a fear of disappointment and being judged, not being truthful or failing to tell physicians about important life choices can ultimately lead to incorrect diagnoses or treatment.
Find out what's happening in McLeanwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Though physicians alone cannot put an end to patient lying or omissions, creating quality, one-on-one time during primary care visits is a great way to start. Concierge practices, like Principal Medical Group, limit the number of patients they see each year, so they have the time to make patients feel comfortable telling the truth. Contact PMG today to learn more about finding a medical home where patients feel comfortable telling the truth to their personal, concierge physician.
