Recently I have several diagnostics (still on-going). My PCP goes above and beyond in providing care. Some examples were she coordinated with the specialist I saw to send me to a hospital, followed up with phone calls. When I expressed concerned about the specialist, she recommended me for a second opinion, followed up with a note to the specialist, then followed up with me late in the evening after I met with the specialist. I just do not know how to thank her.
I think a heartfelt letter would mean more than anything. Anything more might make her uncomfortable.
Write a note of appreciation, with specific examples. Send a copy of it to your PCP, and another copy of it to her employer.
My H (Ob/Gyn) just came home yesterday with a note of appreciation that had been sent to him through the hospital/clinic channels. Everyone appreciates hearing the good news. Mostly because it’s usually the angry people who call and write.
When patients make cookies or yesterday candy… That is a great way to say thank you. But also just saying thank you, you made a difference is enough also. Just being appreciated.
If she is newer to the area some online reviews would probably be appreciated
Yes good reviews is huge. Since most people only think to leave negative ones. Also referrals is the best. If you belong to a local group like new moms group let people know.
Words. To her in person or written. Or to her employer if she is affiliated with a particular health system. Refer patients to her if she is taking new patients.
Kind words of thanks and encouragement. It will make her day.
My in-laws always thanked their doctors with boxes of cookies from a nice bakery (figuring it would be shared by the office staff).
My dad treasures letters he gets from ex-students. Much more meaningful to him than any gifts would be. (He also has a house full of gifts!)
I write heartfelt thank you notes. My relatives who are spouses of mds are delighted when their spouse receives restaurant gift certificates. Personally, I’ve gifted my MD all sorts of things over the years: cases of GS cookies, macadamia nuts, coffee and tea from our area, a golf watch and a golf shirt.
H is a PCP (geriatrician). He treasures those thank-you notes for going above and beyond. Send a copy to the physician’s employer --if there is one. (Many PCPs are burnt out these days and a little praise and encouragement goes a long way.)
I’m a physician with a very big practice. Yesterday, I got two boxes of chocolates and wine (from three different patients) and today, a patient brought in home cooked delicacies( she’s from a small country in SE Asia). I have gotten high end gifts( purses, etc), dollar store type chocolates, hand written letters, etc. I appreciate them all – in the end, it is the show of gratitude and appreciation that matters.
^^^ I’m so surprised that people buy their docs gifts!!! Really stunned!
You might also send a copy of the thank you letter to your insurer, as some of them track things like patient satisfaction with their providers. Simple things like the extra follow-up that your PCP has provided you mean a lot to patients, as we are not only challenged with a new diagnosis, but we also must navigate the daunting health care system. It is great you had a PCP who understands what you are going through, and is there to help alleviate your concerns.
I hope your diagnosis is treated appropriately, and wishing you a speedy recovery - or at least the best possible care management.
When my son was discharged from the hospital after 70 days, we took up a big cake and a bunch of balloon to the floor as a way to say thank you to the doctors, nurses, and other staff.
I’ve given two gifts. One was a gift card to a pricey new restaurant for my kids’ pediatrician, who also agreed to let my son do a 5 week residency in her office. The other was a sweater for my cancer doctor in NYC. She kept commenting how much she loved the sweater I was wearing at my last appointment. I bought her the same sweater and sent it shortly after my appointment.
Thinking some more about this thread. When my daughter “graduated” from her pediatrician and pediatric dentist, I sent them thank you notes along with my request for her medical records to be transferred to her new doctors.
Put a note on FB or a local message board sharing your positive experience in addition to sending a note to the physician.
A nice note and an edible arrangement (most any kind of food) would be appreciated.