Most of us have probably heard of the 5 second rule.
You know, the one where you drop a food item on the floor and if you can pick it up in under 5 seconds, it’s clean and safe for consumption.
There is a new one I just read about, the 11-second rule. No, your food can not sit even longer on the floor and remain safe. Apparently, when you go to your doctor and you start to discuss your health care issues, you better talk fast. Because you have on average 11 seconds before they interrupt you. This isn’t like miles versus nautical miles. A second is a second, is a second! And you have 11 of them so you better choose your words wisely. But should you have to?
I think we can all agree the answer is no. But, the reality is, if you go to a doctor or a practice signed up with many dental insurance plans, the doctor may not have a lot of choices. The dental insurance companies will only pay a percentage of the doctor’s charges. The doctor then has to see more patients make up for the write-offs/losses.
Let’s be clear, more patients in the same amount of time. Not a long day, just a more packed day. This is a lose-lose situation. The doctors don’t want a more crammed schedule where they feel more stressed and frustrated. The patients don’t want to get herded through like cattle. They want to be heard! (Note that, heard not herded!) What can we do about this?
For starters, as the patient, you can go to practitioners that aren’t leveraged with many dental insurance companies. I personally noticed when I switched to a practice that is not enrolled with any insurances, I got more than 11 seconds. I got a lot more. My doctors are my guides, educators and cheerleaders to help me achieve optimal wellness. I truly appreciate their time, care and compassion. And guess what? That takes more than 11 seconds.
As a new patient with Origin Dental Wellness, your first appointment with the doctor will last anywhere between 1 ½ to 2 hours. That means you are getting the full attention you need to share your story, ask questions, and be heard. Not herded. And trust me, your following appointments will feel just as relaxed.
I know it’s going to cost me a little more out of pocket on the front side, but it will save me huge in the end. The reality is this: Having the energy to ride bikes, swim, play soccer, hike, run, walk, etc. with our families is priceless.
So, try with all your might to avoid the 11 second rule. We should probably avoid the 5 second rule too, but with my new and improved immune function, I may risk it. ????
