Prioritizing long term wellness over short term savings

General
1

Many patients receive a treatment plan, starts feeling better after few days and decides to skip their follow-up appointments. They believe they are saving money, but in reality, they are risking a much more expensive relapse. Even some of the well-educated patients or their family members view the medical appointments as an unnecessary expense. They think, “Why should I spend money if I feel better?” However, our internal body condition can only be truly recognized & monitored by a healthcare professional.

The Hidden Risks of Skipping Visits:

  • The symptoms might hide, but the underlying condition could be still active, and it will become a “Silent relapse”.
  • Long term costs.
  • Life threatening emergency, if the treatment is not completed or monitored.

As healthcare professionals, we must encourage patients and their family members to prioritize long term wellness over short term savings. The Recovery is a journey that doesn’t end just because the pain stops.

What do you think about that? How do you convince a patient that a follow up is necessary ? Share your experience

MBH/PS

Follow up
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7 Likes
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Yes, this is very common, many patients stop medicines once they feel better. I think doctors should explain the risks of stopping early in simple language and encourage regular follow-ups.

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Very true and clinically relevant point.

Many patients mistake symptom relief for complete recovery, which makes proper counselling about follow-ups extremely important.

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5

Patient follow up is indeed a necessity but people struggling with finances cannot help but skip additional expenses. In some hospitals, follow up fees are higher which many people cannot afford so they make this choice.

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Healthcare professionals should educate the patients about the regular follow up. Most of the patients cannot afford to it. Or long distance travelling may be other reason to skip the follow up, for this many healthcare professionals are providing follow ups through video calls.

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7

Very true. Feeling better doesn’t always mean being fully recovered—follow-ups are what prevent silent relapses and bigger complications later.

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