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I am genuinely curious about what is happening when medical personnel are shaming patients online. My mom has panicked our of 4 checkups and will not make any more appointments since her friend showed her posts of people shaming their patients on social media. Basically if you are under 60 years old.my elderly mother is quaking, actually shaking, in your presence and begs like a child to go home. Why is this? Other professions don't seem to do this in social media. Her friends show her this stuff and I try to downplay it but I know she won't go into a doctor's office again unless she's unconscious. Why?

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#1

This is completely unethical not to mention illegal. I agree with the suggestions by poster #1. People in the medical field are expected to be compassionate. This is something that can be learned, but any healthcare worker worth their salt is inherently compassionate. If these situations are occurring at your mother's doctor's office then they are not compassionate and are breaking the law. Find a provider that understands your mother's fears and is comitted to jer health and well-being.

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Itsnotwhatitseems
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#2

(If this is within the US): If a medical professional has shared anything about a patient (your mother), medically speaking, online without her (written or signed) consent then my understanding is thats in violation of the nationwide HIPAA Act and whomever has done this can be be fined and/or possibly even lose their license. To answer your question though…NO, medical persons DO NOT shame patients online. Look into the HIPAA Act online or talk to someone with legal medical knowledge to find out more. Advice: Find your mother a new doctor…A) One she feels completely comfortable with and B) When she does meet up with whomever the new one might be, be sure to tell right away about this past experience and why she is nervous. Good Luck.

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Mr.Kris
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#3

OP here, it all started with an at- home colon screening where she was supposed to defecate directly into a box and mail it. She started to cry and said It can't be correct and if she does the test wrong it will "go viral" even if her name and face isn't used. Her friends show her all sorts of social media and she thinks everyone under 60 in scrubs from the receptionist to the lab tech are mocking her and wanting to shame her even if they don't actually do it.

So far I can't get her through the door of any dr office and she did not return any stool sample and will not get her blood work done.

What a consequence for poking a little fun to lighten a work day? Is that it? I'm frustrated and sad and hope to find some positive social media to reassure her and I know many are ethical people. She had confidence in medical staff before last fall. I am very nervous about her aging now.

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C OnlyC
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