[Sun]

Originally Posted by SleepyButch

I don't think it was a hoax... sometimes on a Friday late... we have to deliver bad news like that so that they can get going on their treatment or decide what they want to do. I've had to deliver bad news like that. Sometimes I think I'm more compassionate as well. Just my thoughts.

I have heard from many who have received bad news but never heard of it being delivered on the phone. It is in the best interest of the patient to have news of a life threatening illness delivered in a physicians office where appropriate referrals can be made. What if the person was driving? What liability implications are there in such a situation?

Then there is the potential referral to counseling. I can understand a follow up call if a life threatening illness has previously been diagnosed and there is a change or tests show that something alarming is going on, but a diagnosis over the phone just sounds wrong to me. I am sorry for anyone who is directed to make such a call.