Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1892-12-22
How TO MANAGE 1ne DocroR

TOW 10 MANAGE IHE LOO Ton
We seldom pick up paper that we
do not see an article on how to treat
some disease, avoid some other disease
or nurse the sick, but do not recall
any thing have ever seen on how to
treat the doctor, and as the unhealthy
season is rapidly approaching, it may
be Of interest to give few hints which,
if followed, will at least assure my
readers of the prompt attendance and
friendship of that much abused but ex-
tremely useful class of men. Appropose
of the old receipt for fried rabbit,
''tirst Catch Your Rabbit | would
say first choose your doctor All ply
sicians study the same branches, pass
practically the same examination and
in no other business or profession, are
| the members so near on an equality as
regards knowledge or fitness for their
business. And as far as regards curing
diseases, one is practically as good as
another So it is of no great moment
who you choose as far as skill is con
cerned, generally a young man fresh
from college or one who has small
practice will exert himself more than
one whose position is assured.
Choose above all things an honest
man, one who is above trickery, one
who will not tell you he can cure an
incurable disease or that simple case
is one requiring great skill, etc, etc.
Such y man will never confess that he
does not understand case, but will
keep you sick if he thinks there is
money in it and will charge outrageous
fees on the slightest proteXt. Fortu-
nately, there are very few of this class
but unfortunately, owing to the gull
bilily of the average mortal, he gener-
ally has an immense practice. Having
selected your family physician, follow
his instructions to the letter. never
speak i'll of him, it viii do you no good
and Us his reputation is his capital, it
will injure him as much as If You
robbed him of money, and Shakespear
puts it well when he says: "He who
steals my purse steals trash, but he who
robs me of my good name takes that
which does him no good but leaves me
poor indeed. The physician will be
apt to resent it the first time he has an
opportunity If he hears of it as he is
apt to do.
Pay your doctor bills promptly if
possible. The doctor will usully give
larger discount for cash than any other
person with whom you have dealings.
If you can't pay all, pay part. No doc
tor will refuse to treat person who is
willing, but unable to pay bill. But
the man who deliberately beats doc
tor out of his bill will live to regret it.
can name ii people who have died in
this county in the last 8 years because
they were dead beats. and there have no
doubt been hundreds of cases that
never heard Of. No man will neglect
good paying patient for one who will
SANDER him if possible and beat him
out Of his bills if ho can. The medical
profession does more charity every year
THAI all other professions combined.
but they are only human and ike
their charity to be appreciated In
case of sickness call the doctor. if pos
sible early in the morning. This will
| give him chanca to arrange his days
work TO advantage Never force him
to make a night visit unless in q critical
case. In sending for a doctor, write a
note giving in clear concise language
all the symptoms, then let him use his
own judgment whether to make visit
or send medicine; case that is beyond
your comprehension and what appears
serious may be a very simple matter.
If you are dissatisfied for any reason,
60 10 your doctor, give him your rea-
sons, settle with him, turn him off if
you think necessary and speak as well
of him as you can. There are some
persons who have not the moral cour-
age to tell him his services are not sat
isfactory. but without notice will en-
ploy another man and abuse the DIS
charged one. Without stint he may not
resent this openly but lie will not live
long enough 10 forget such outrageous
treatment and You win some day be
made to suffer severely for Ii.
In conclusion I Will say, select ali
honest manly doctor, treat him ID al