I saw my md for a ra flare involving multiple joints. he only looked at my l hand but the note state he did a head to toe exam. what should i do?

Documentation : Most of today's notes are computer-generated. The doctors just click some spots in the electronic medical record. Sometimes they make a mistake and click more and that would generate a false note. Sorry about this .You could tell the doctor about this at your next appointment so that he will be more careful.

Questioned care: I am curious regarding your complaint of multiple joint involvement and then allowing the physician to examine only one joint. Was this joint the primary initiating painful symptom? Were there additions test to determine the possibly degree of rheumatoid flare up? Are you presently receiving long-term RA medications. If no follow up appointment or test were scheduled then contact his office.

Answer in detail : Few things, was there any spcific joint that you were concerned more ? Was this brought to the attention of your md? Please ask your md about complete exam next visit. . Lastly the blood work might reveal overall information about your joins. However, you will need a complete exam which can be discussed with your md.

If this was a follow: Up visit, then he could have specifically examined one joint, but mentioned seeing you from head-toe by what we call inspection. Call him up to see what he meant by head-toe examination.

Talk to your doctor: Sometimes we observe without patients knowing it. I watch them walk, sit, shoe wear etc without calling attention to it. Your doctor may have done the same thing without you realizing it. If you have concerns you should always talk with him first. You need to trust your doctor above all else in order to have a good relationship.