‘When people come to see an internist, it could be for a checkup, but when they come to see us, it’s mostly because they need help with a problem. I like to help alleviate suffering.’ —Dr. Pierre Moeser
Patients Come First
Staying current and knowledgeable about various rheumatic conditions and treatments helps Dr. Moeser tailor office visits to each patient’s distinct needs. That includes such aspects as injections and refills. He also makes it a point to consider their finances, level of understanding and personal desires.
The phone is also vital. “I make sure all calls are answered before my lunch; if my staff is out to lunch, and a patient called with a question, then I won’t eat before calling them myself. It’s a short lunch, anyway, since I’m also looking at labs and X-rays.” Moeser says patients appreciate the quick return call on their concerns.
“I’m trying to assess if the patient has a good understanding of the disease, because arthritis is not a disease—there are 120 different musculoskeletal conditions to consider,” he notes. If a patient has been diagnosed, do they know what the illness is? “If not, then I give them a basic, but thorough explanation of what they have. We’re trying to match treatment to their finances, understanding and personal desires, and adhering to medical ethics throughout. I make sure they know—through my actions or words—‘If you have a problem, we have a problem.’ I don’t just give them a prescription and send them on their way. It’s about a commitment to helping, and that’s right down to my staff.”
Service
Dr. Moeser says he aims to bring the same outstanding level of service to rheumatology patients that he enjoyed years ago at the Geneva stamp shop where he discovered an affinity for Swiss stamp collecting. Although Dr. Moeser has allowed his philately interest to share time with other interests, including flying, he recalls that day in Switzerland for more than just the unusual stamps:
“I remember the guy in there handing me a magnifying glass and taking the time to explain,” he says. “I was only a teenager, but I really appreciated how he took me seriously.”
The proprietor respected his customer and spent time with him—it’s not hard to see how Dr. Moeser would relate to that philosophy.
Eric Butterman is a Texas-based freelance writer. Contact him via email at [email protected].
