What key question can you ask patients with chronic pain that may help lead you to a diagnosis?
Patients with chronic pain syndromes (such as chronic abdominal pain, chronic back pain, or chronic headaches) can present a real challenge. Often they have had exhaustive workups by specialists to no avail. A simple tactic that I often find productive is to ask such patients whether they have a history of traumatic abuse (sexual abuse or serious emotional or physical abuse). An affirmative answer may suggest somatoform disorder, stemming from the abuse.
- Hien Nguyen, MD
Fairfax, Va
Disability Insurance 101 for Physicians
December 4th 2023As a successful physician, chances are you have several types of insurance for the valuable things in your life, including your health and your home. But many physicians do not take the necessary steps to protect their most important and hardest-won asset—their ability to earn income to support themselves and their families. Perhaps you already have a disability insurance policy provided by your employer, but do you really know what it covers?