| What the Doctor says | What the Doctor really means |
|---|---|
| "This should be taken care of right away." | "I'd planned a trip to Hawaii next month but this is so easy and profitable that I want to fix it before it cures itself." |
| "Welllllll, what have we here..." | Since he hasn't the foggiest notion of what it is, the Doctor is hoping you will give him a clue. |
| "We'll see." | "First I have to check my malpractice insurance." |
| "Let me check your medical history." | "I want to see if you've paid your last bill before spending any more time with you." |
| "Why don't we make another appointment later in the week." | "I'm playing golf this afternoon, and this a waste of time." |
| -or- | |
| "Why don't we make another appointment later in the week." | "I need the money, so I'm charging you for another office visit." |
| "I really can't recommend seeing a chiropractor." | "I hate those guys mooching in on our fees." |
| "Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm." | Since he hasn't the faintest idea of what to do, he is trying to appear thoughtful while hoping the nurse will interrupt. (Proctologist also say this a lot.) |
| "We have some good news and some bad news." | The good news is he's going to buy that new BMW, and the bad news is you're going to pay for it. |
| "Let me schedule you for some tests." | "I have a 40% interest in the lab." |
| "I'd like to have my associate look at you." | "He's going through a messy divorce and owes me a small fortune." |
| "I'd like to prescribe a new drug." | "I'm writing a paper and would like to use you as a guinea pig." |
| "If it doesn't clear up in a week, give me a call." | "I don't know what the hell it is. Maybe it will go away by itself." |
| "That's quite a nasty looking wound." | "I think I'm going to throw up." |
| This may smart a little." | "Last week two patients bit through their tongues." |
| "Well, we're not feeling so well today, are we?" | "I can't remember your name, nor why you are here." |
| "Everything seems to be normal." | "I guess I can't buy that new beach condo after all." |
| "I'd like to run some more tests." | "I can't figure out what's wrong. Maybe the kid in the lab can solve this one." |
| "Do you suppose all of this stress could be affecting your nerves?" | He thinks you are crazy and is hoping to find a psychiatrist who will split fees. |
| "There is a lot of that going around." | "My God, that's the third one this week. I'd better learn something about this." |
