Primary Physician

We have what is called a "primary physician" who is supposed to be responsible for all our health needs. The family is using the same lady doctor whom we see once a year for our periodic checkups. In addition we also see various specialists as necessary.

Since all our doctors are within the same organization, access to our health files are easy, so every doctor can see the entire medical history. The result is that they do not prescribe duplicate lab works because they can see the results of the previous ones, they also see all our medications and this way they don't have to ask us. 

What I find in a way funny is that every time I or one of us sees a specialist and there is something outside of his or her realm, immediately they suggest seeing the primary physician. They are all elevating the primary physician to a height that makes her seem better than the rest of them. In reality, I don't believe our primary doctor is as good as they make her out to be. And this is scary.

At my most recent annual checkup my primary physician suggested that I take Vitamin B12 tablets, which I did. Apparently, people who have cancer should not take this vitamin. The result was that at my most recent blood test my B12 level skyrocketed. I have skin cancer (mild) and all my doctors are aware of it. Now, why my primary did not know this? My hematologist immediately stopped me with the B12 vitamin and ordered new blood tests two months from now to see if the increase was the result of taking the vitamin or God forgive something is lurking in the dark.

When things like this happen, we are apt to lose confidence in the doctors' ability to diagnose problems or remember our prevailing conditions. When I will see her, I will be very cautious to accept any suggestions she might give me.