Maybe it’s just me, but this one’s a little astounding.

According to Paul Levy’s blog, a Perspectives column in the New England Journal of Medicine “suggests that doctors enhance their relationship with patients when they deal with [them] in a polite manner.” Well, that’s a start!

Seriously, it seems primitive, but I’m glad to see a publication taking seriously the idea of treating us consumers like people who deserve respect and common courtesy. It’s a step toward getting everyone in the care community to treat us as humans who need care, not jostling. (Disclaimer: I’m a patron of the author’s hospital, which has almost always treated me well.) –e-Patient Dave