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Long life

Why do consultants write such scary, incomprehensible letters?

The patient knows very well what the symptoms are; so does the GP. That doesn't mean they can understand the description of them

24 May 2014

9:00 AM

24 May 2014

9:00 AM

There is a kind of letter designed to bewilder, upset and possibly terrify its recipient, and this is the standard letter sent by specialist medical consultants to the victims of disease. Actually, the letter is usually addressed to the sufferer’s GP, but a copy is always sent to the patient as well; and because of this it usually begins with a flattering personal reference just to soften him up (‘It was a delight to meet this charming old gentleman’, or some such phrase).

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