I recently went to my local dentist and eye doctor and became frustrated at the seemingly new process at both visits. Both offices took my blood pressure then asked for a list of prescriptions and even my medical history?!?
Granted, my dentist has been trying to up-sell patients more on products and services for a while now, but why TF do they need a complete medical and prescription history?
On top of that, making appointments went something like this: Call to make an appointment, they verify time/date, chief complaints, and verify my insurance. Then I get emails from both offices asking me to enter all of this same information online. THEN, when I show up they tell me to scan a QR code to enter a 3rd party site to enter the information YET AGAIN, while agreeing to getting marketing emails from this company. I just want my teeth cleaned and my eyes checked!
Has anyone else experienced this?
Comments
I’m a dental hygienist and I’ve been taking blood pressure and medical histories since school 15 years ago. Although I don’t take BP unless doing a deep cleaning. But we always check medical histories and meds in case there is something that prohibits or may be conflicting.
This is pretty standard.
Blood pressure can be an indicator of a number of different things. If your blood pressure is high, it’s possible your vision exam will be affected. Your dentist will want to know too, as stressors such as cleanings and anesthetics may exacerbate this.
Having a list of current meds is useful for the dentist because if you’re on a blood thinner, they’ll know your scaling will produce extra bleeding. Thyroid replacement can increase the effects of epinephrine, a common additive to dental anesthetics, with effects like increased blood pressure or heart rate.
Your eye doctor will want to know if you’re on drops for glaucoma, have cancer, or have suffered an eye injury.
Your body works together. Despite dental and vision being separated for insurance purposes, each system affects the next. Are you aware that gum disease, for example, has been associated with heart disease?
High blood pressure can lead to eye problems long term
I noticed the change, but assumed it was because I’m old.
Both my dentist and my optometrist did it last time I went.
It’s important for them to know as it can effect treatment options and care. it has been standard practice for more than 30 years
I’ve asked my dentist why they take my BP when I’m just there for a cleaning. It’s none of their business IMO.