Friday, February 04, 2005
100 Years Ago at JAMA
Physicians and Reciprocity.
The physician, because of the nature of the work required of him, may usually be expected to have his wits about him. We have read of the physician who, receiving a large plumber's bill and being scandalized by some of the time-consuming methods of that tradesman, paid the bill and bided his time. Being the family physician of the plumber, he was called one day and went without medicine case or instruments. On finding what was the matter, he went home for his case, and included in his bill a liberal charge for this procedure. The plumber remonstrated, but when it was explained to him that the physician did not know what tools he wanted until he saw that patient, the plumber grasped the situation and paid the bill.
The physician, because of the nature of the work required of him, may usually be expected to have his wits about him. We have read of the physician who, receiving a large plumber's bill and being scandalized by some of the time-consuming methods of that tradesman, paid the bill and bided his time. Being the family physician of the plumber, he was called one day and went without medicine case or instruments. On finding what was the matter, he went home for his case, and included in his bill a liberal charge for this procedure. The plumber remonstrated, but when it was explained to him that the physician did not know what tools he wanted until he saw that patient, the plumber grasped the situation and paid the bill.
