DRE Frequency

[bruin]

I am somewhat baffled for lack of a better term about a current medical experience specifically concerning an orthopedic problem with my knee. I had successful major knee surgery 30 years ago and have recently presented myself to my primary for an ortho referral for almost the same condition on the other knee.

I have seen 4 different specialists, had many multiple diagnostic procedures. The first visit was what a patient would expect for an initial consultation. In the exam room I was undressed down to my underwear, review of my history, q + a and then the Dr. told me he was going to perform a DRE. I thought this was an odd or over the top the top for an ortho visit. Everything was fine, I have zero history of anything prostrate related.

However, Dr. 2, 3, and 4 also performed a DRE. In a conversation with a friend/client who is a Urologist, I relayed my experience and shared my perplexity about multiple DRE's. He was irate and said that the procedures were unnecessary and exceeded the physical exam requirements for an orthopedic exam related to my knee.

Yes, in retrospect, I should have spoken up and asked about "why a DRE?" It was clear that I had taken a more passive position (excuse the pun) in the exams and let the Dr in charge do what he was going to do, but did not.

What is going on here?

 

[tareload]

I am somewhat baffled for lack of a better term about a current medical experience specifically concerning an orthopedic problem with my knee. I had successful major knee surgery 30 years ago and have recently presented myself to my primary for an ortho referral for almost the same condition on the other knee.

I have seen 4 different specialists, had many multiple diagnostic procedures. The first visit was what a patient would expect for an initial consultation. In the exam room I was undressed down to my underwear, review of my history, q + a and then the Dr. told me he was going to perform a DRE. I thought this was an odd or over the top the top for an ortho visit. Everything was fine, I have zero history of anything prostrate related.

However, Dr. 2, 3, and 4 also performed a DRE. In a conversation with a friend/client who is a Urologist, I relayed my experience and shared my perplexity about multiple DRE's. He was irate and said that the procedures were unnecessary and exceeded the physical exam requirements for an orthopedic exam related to my knee.

Yes, in retrospect, I should have spoken up and asked about "why a DRE?" It was clear that I had taken a more passive position (excuse the pun) in the exams and let the Dr in charge do what he was going to do, but did not.

What is going on here?

Same here at about 18 for physical. You were taken advantage of.

Completely outside standard of care for ortho consult.