DEAR DR. ROACH: I have recently begun seeing a new physician who dictates into a recorder during my entire exam. I find this very off-putting and don’t know what to do. Here is an example:

Doctor: What brings you in today?

Me: I have a sore throat.

Doctor speaks into to the recorder: Patient presents a complaint of a sore throat today.

Doctor: When did it start?

Me: Thursday.

Doctor speaks into to the recorder: Patient states that it began Thursday.

This back and forth into the recorder continues for the entire visit. I don’t feel as if I can really have a discussion about a concern with him when he continues to interrupt me to dictate. I feel as if I am bothering him while he is working if I want to add a detail or expound on what I said.

I understand physicians are under pressure

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