There are times when physicians cannot rely on
pre-printed translated office material. Particularly when it comes to
communicating important information to patients, personalized letters tailored
to the patient in question are required. Here is an example of an actual letter*
directed to a patient from his general ophthalmologist. You will see the
original English version first and then my translation into Spanish (*all names and
locations have been changed to protect anonymity). This letter in particular was sent to the patient
because he never followed up with setting up an appointment with a glaucoma
specialist—something that was recommended to him during a recent office visit.
Dear Sir:
Your last visit to our office was October 21,
2015. During that exam, I had explained
to you that you have a diagnosis of advanced glaucoma and that you are going to
need medication in the form of eye drops to treat it. I also told you that you are going to need a
glaucoma specialist and that you have the opportunity to see Dr. Smith, located
in Springfield, or Dr. Jacobs in West County. You told me that you would make a
decision as to which office to visit, and that you would call me with this
information.
Since that time, I have not heard from you. My secretaries have tried contacting you, but
you have not answered. Please remember
that a diagnosis of advanced glaucoma is very serious. In your case, eye drops are not enough to
maintain a stable eye pressure—you need the help of a specialist. If not, it is possible that you are going to
lose your vision completely.
Please, when you receive this letter, call the office
to schedule an appointment with the glaucoma specialist. The number here is:
(123) 456-7890
Remember, if you do not call to make this
appointment with the specialist, you are in danger of going blind.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jones
*
Estimado Señor,
Su última visita
en nuestra oficina fue el 21 de octubre, 2015.
Durante ese examen, le expliqué a usted que tiene un diagnóstico de
glaucoma bien avanzado, y que va a necesitar medicamentos en la forma de gotas
para curarlo. También, le dije a usted
que necesita un especialista de glaucoma, y tiene la oportunidad de ver al Dr.
Smith, ubicado en Springfield, o al Dr. Jacobs en el Condado de West. Usted me dijo que haría una decisión cual
oficina podría visitar, y que me llamaría con esta información.
Desde ese
tiempo, no he oído de usted. Las
secretarias han tratado de llamarlo, pero no nos ha contestado. Por favor, recuerda usted que el diagnóstico
de glaucoma avanzado es muy grave. En su
caso, los colirios no son bastante para mantener una presión estable del globo
del ojo—necesita usted la ayuda de un especialista. Si no, es posible que pierda la visión
completamente.
Por favor,
cuando recibe usted esta carta, llame la oficina aquí para hacer la cita con el
especialista. El número aquí es:
(123) 456-7890
Recuerda, si no
llama para hacer esta cita con el especialista, usted está en peligro de la ceguera.
Gracias por su
tiempo.
Sinceramente,
Dr. Jones
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