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Vitals and such

Hello all - Happy 4th of July.  I'm interested in knowing what sorts of
vitals and measurements you get for all of your patients.  Here's a sample
of what I am asking for in my office:

	acute/same day visits:  temp, HR, RR, Wt, BP (if older than 2 yo)
	routine visits (well child exams):  weight, height/length, FOC (under 2
yo), visual screen (over 3
		yo), BP (over 2 yo)
	rechecks:  Wt

The reason I'm asking....the MOST frustrating thing about working in an Air
Force clinic is the poor staff support.  We do not have nurses, but,
instead, med techs that are airmen basics fresh out of high school.
Completely unmotivated and uninterested in what they do.  I FREQUENTLY have
to ask for things to be redone (i.e. a teenager with a BP of 200/130
because they used the wrong sized cuff and didn't even notice!!).  They
frequently leave off vitals that I specifically ask for.  I'm wondering if
I'm asking them for too much (obviously, I don't think so) and am
interested in your comments.  Also, because of the lack of motivation, I
oftentimes have patients brought to the exam room late or not at all and
have to run out front to ASK for patients to be put into my empty rooms.  I
SHUDDER to think what this winter will be like.  Suggestions?!?

Thanks.

Eve H. Switzer, M.D.