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James G. Grattan, MD
Sansum Medical Clinic Inc Santa Barbara, Calif

JAMA. 1986;255(21):2895-2896.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

Dr Veatch's¹ editorial objecting to the term "doctor's orders" is misguided and reflects a lack of understanding in the use of this term. The word "order" is not being used in a "newer and more sophisticated way." It is being used properly and as defined to convey a "written directive." Contrary to Dr Veatch's statement, physicians and the military are not the only groups using the term "order." Presidential executive orders, court orders, multiple businesses with "work orders," as well as "orders" in restaurants are quite common.

Let me reassure Dr Veatch that as a patient, he should have no fear of being "ordered" around by a physician as a soldier is in the army. In my practice and that of my colleagues, we make "recommendations" to the patient and, together with the patient, formulate a treatment plan that is acceptable to the patient. The treatment . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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