About Our Practice
Our
practice is truly patient centered. You are the reason we are here. Our
goal is to help you feel better mentally, physically and spiritually.
Our primary tools are listening to you sensitively, examining you carefully
and then discussing with you thoroughly, our opinions and your options.
We see health care as both a science and an art. There is rarely one right
answer, and one size almost never fits all. We will be attentive to your
specific needs, concerns and fears. We see you each as special individuals
and not merely as people with high blood pressure, diabetes, depression
or high cholesterol. We see ourselves as your primary care providers,
health care advisors, educators and teammates. Patients that take an active
role in their health care generally do better.
| Laboratory Tests | $87* |
| X-Rays | $115* |
| Prescription Medications | $143* |
| Hospital Bill | $7,826* |
| Great Doctor-Patient Relationship | Priceless |
*The prices above do not represent actual fees charged to our patients, but are simply used to illustrate how valuable we believe a great doctor-patient relationship can be.
The healing relationship between you and your doctor plays a vital role in your health care and well being. This is due, at least in part, to the mind body connection. Regarding the doctor patient relationship, Patch Adams, M.D. wrote “healing should be a loving human interchange.” It is our goal to build priceless, healing relationships with the people on Bainbridge Island and surrounding communities.
FAQs
Q: Dr. Parker, do you have any special medical interests?
A: Yes, I am particularly interested in helping you reduce
your risks for heart disease and cancer.
Q: Can you help me quit smoking?
A: If you smoke and would like to quit, I can help. Helping
people quit smoking ranks second, only to delivering babies, as my most
satisfying accomplishments in medicine. Quitting is not easy, but I am
sure you have done many difficult things in your life. Giving up the cigarettes
is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your family.
Q: Can you help me with my depression?
A: Yes. I have treated a great many men, women and children
with depression. Some people benefit from counseling, others from medication
and some find that a combination of both works the best for them. Depression
is one of the most common reasons patients visit their family doctor.
Depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a serious illness and should
never be ignored.
Q: Why is the sky blue?
A: As white light passes through the atmosphere some
of the high frequency blue light is absorbed, while the red orange and
yellow light passes through to the earth below. The absorbed blue light
is scattered in all directions, making the sky blue.
Q: Do you have same day appointments?
A: Yes! If you feel you need to be seen right away, we
will make every effort to see you. We know that when you are sick or in
pain the sooner we see you, the sooner you will start to feel better.
Q: Are you always on time?
A: We know that your time is valuable, and that sitting
in our waiting room is not your idea of fun. We strive to always be on
time, but rarely an urgent same day appointment may result in an unexpected
delay. Should you find yourself waiting, we hope that you understand that
it was not planned, and that some day you might require an urgent same
day appointment yourself. Besides, why do you think they call it a waiting
room?
Q: Are you the right doctor for me?
A: Yes, if you are looking for a doctor that is interested
in getting to know you as a person and work with you to achieve your health
care goals. I believe that a good doctor patient relationship is essential
for good health care. If you are not comfortable with your current health
care provider, I would encourage you to switch.
Q: Dr. Parker, I feel fine now, should I schedule an appointment
with you anyway?
A: There are at least two good reasons to schedule an
appointment now. First, physical exams and certain screening tests are
an important part of good preventive health care. Many insurance companies
now recognize the health benefits and economic value of preventive health
care. Second, finding
a physician that you trust and are comfortable with is best done when
you are feeling well. Trying to find a doctor that “feels right” when
you do not feel well can be very difficult.
Q: Do you deliver babies?
A: No. I delivered my last baby in 1998. It was my favorite
part of medical practice, but as I approached 40 years old, I found that
I needed at least six hours of sleep every night. I would, however, be
honored to provide medical care for your newborn and other children.
Q: What is “Defensive Medicine” and do you practice it?
A: Doctors who practice defensive medicine are more
concerned with protecting themselves than they are with protecting their
patients. An example of defensive medicine would be ordering a cat scan
or MRI on every patient with a headache. Brain tumors are very rare causes
of headaches and not every person with a headache needs a brain scan.
I do not practice defensive
medicine because it is not in your best interest for me to do so.
This is a patient centered practice, and my advice and recommendations
will always be centered on your best interests.
Racey’s Hours
Michael and Leslie
have a total of six children from previous marriages. The children have
all started their own families or, are away at school. Racey was born
July 16, 2003, less than one year after the loving couple was married.
He is the light of their lives. They sometimes call him Pinocchio because
he is the dog that thinks he is a boy. Unless you are not a “dog person,”
we are confident you will think he is adorable. He is, in fact, the friendliest
golden retriever on the Island. If you think your dog is friendlier, Racey
would love to get together with your dog for a play date outside of office
hours.
It has become commonplace
to find dogs in a variety of health care settings. Many studies have shown
the healing and therapeutic benefits of Animal Assisted Activities in
health care. For more information, visit Healing
Paws. While Racey has not had any formal training as a “therapy dog,”
his personality makes him a natural at helping people relax and feel better.
If it was up to Racey he would be in the office 60 hours a week as he
loves meeting children and adults. For now, he will be available in the
petting room (also known as the waiting room) only on Friday’s. If you
are afraid of or allergic to dogs please try to schedule your appointment
on another day, or warn us ahead of time and we will send him for a walk.
Whose mouths are cleaner, dogs or humans? Read this article
that investigate the popular myth. We truly believe that Racey will add
another positive dimension to your visit to the office of Michael R. Parker,
M.D.
