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Stories written by Thomas Grugle

When Patients Consult Google Take Your Cues From Dr. Grugle - 08/02/2019

Having taken a careful history and performed an appropriate physical examination, you turn to the patient and ask, "Do you have any questions for me today?" The patient pauses, looks a little sheepish, and says, “Well, actually, I Googled my symptoms and it said this might all be gluten sensitivity. Do you think I might have gluten intolerance? Too much mercury in my fillings? My childhood vaccinations making me sick? Maybe just a highly chemically sensitive person?” How best to handle this interaction depends on the kind of patient who is before you, and choosing the correct response is crucial in maintaining the alliance.

When Patients Consult Google Take Your Cues From Dr. Grugle - 08/02/2019

Having taken a careful history and performed an appropriate physical examination, you turn to the patient and ask, "Do you have any questions for me today?" The patient pauses, looks a little sheepish, and says, “Well, actually, I Googled my symptoms and it said this might all be gluten sensitivity. Do you think I might have gluten intolerance? Too much mercury in my fillings? My childhood vaccinations making me sick? Maybe just a highly chemically sensitive person?” How best to handle this interaction depends on the kind of patient who is before you, and choosing the correct response is crucial in maintaining the alliance.