Skip to main content

Should You Trust Your Doctor? The Suspicion Shadowing Medical Decisions


A very uneasy and uncomfortable situation these days is patients viewing their doctor with suspicion whenever extensive and expensive diagnostic procedures are prescribed. In fact an increasing number of patients believe that their doctor is doing it not for the patient's medical condition but for his/her pecuniary benefits or to achieve "targets" set by their management.

Remember it is not always about the money and there are many factors that influence this.

Doctors make treatment decisions based on various factors:

  • Your individual medical history and current symptoms
  • Potential underlying causes of your condition
  • The severity of your condition and risk factors
  • Available evidence-based guidelines and best practices
  • Individual considerations and patient preferences

Many factors influence the number of investigations:

  • Complex or undiagnosed conditions may require more extensive investigations.
  • Different treatment approaches may involve various medications, depending on the condition and individual needs.
  • Defensive medicine refers to the practice of ordering unnecessary tests, prescriptions, or procedures due to fear of lawsuits or malpractice claims, not necessarily because they are in the best interest of the patient's health. This happens due to:
  • Fear of litigation: In certain healthcare systems, doctors face high malpractice insurance premiums and the threat of lawsuits can influence their decisions.
  • Uncertainty in diagnosis: Sometimes, definitive diagnosis might require more tests to rule out possibilities, even if some are not strictly necessary.
  • Lack of clear guidelines: In complex cases, clear evidence-based guidelines might not be available, leaving room for different interpretations and influencing how cautious a doctor chooses to be.

What you can do:

  1. Talk to your doctor: Express your concerns directly and openly. Ask why he/she recommended these specific investigations and medications. Understanding the rationale behind the decisions can alleviate your worries.
  2. Discuss alternatives: If you're uncomfortable with any recommendations, inquire about potential alternatives or if some interventions can be delayed or avoided.
  3. Seek second opinion: If you're still unsure, consider seeking a second opinion from another doctor to gain additional perspectives.

Remember, open communication with your doctor is crucial for building trust and ensuring you feel comfortable and informed about your treatment plan. Don't hesitate to ask questions and voice your concerns. That's much better than brewing suspicion that erodes trust....and Trust is the most vital element in a Doctor-Patient relationship.

And as Orthopaedic Surgeons we should be ready to shed our God-Complex and be ready to describe in detail and explain all possibilities and options to the patient. The decision should be the patient's and so is the responsibility of the outcome of that decision.

Dr. Naveen Chowdary Tummala

SCOT: Dr. Naveen's Bone and Joint Clinic, Sholinganallur.

9094567894, 9094567893

GOOGLE PAGE

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Road Rage & RSI: Tips to Save Your Spine & Serenity

Conquering the Commute: Advanced Strategies for Navigating Traffic & Rough Roads Taming the urban jungle while battling bumpy terrain demands more than just steering wheel prowess. It's an exercise in physical and mental agility, requiring a strategic approach that prioritizes both comfort and composure.  Repetitive movements can strain your body, leading to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). So while driving you could be straining your neck, wrist, ankle and many other joints as well as muscles that slowly and steadily lead to long damage. Not only the bodily strain, bad driving conditions can lead to mental strain too and that is the cause for Road Rage. Here's how to elevate your driving game, transforming those tense commutes into journeys of focused awareness. Physical Finesse: Proper Posture: Imagine a string gently pulling you upwards, aligning your spine and neck in a relaxed yet upright position. Adjust your seat so your lower back finds solace against t
Post a Comment
Read more

Walking: Tips to Make it a Great Exercise

Walking: A Great Exercise for Orthopedic Health Walking is a fantastic form of exercise that's widely recommended by Orthopaedic Surgeons. It's a low-impact activity that delivers a multitude of benefits for your bones, joints, and overall health. Benefits of Walking for Your Orthopedic Health Strengthens Bones and Muscles: Walking is weight-bearing exercise, forcing your bones and muscles to work against gravity. This strengthens them, helping to prevent osteoporosis and injuries. Improves Joint Health: Walking lubricates your joints and improves flexibility. It can also reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Maintains a Healthy Weight: Walking burns calories and aids in maintaining a healthy weight. This is crucial for joint health, as excess weight stresses your joints. Enhances Balance and Coordination: Walking improves your balance and coordination, which helps prevent falls. Walking Tips From An Orthopaedic Perspective  Technique Matters: Fo
Post a Comment
Read more

BATHROOM & TOILET : FALLS PREVENTION.

Bathroom & Toilet Measures to Prevent Falls in Elderly: A Detailed  Note Introduction: In the previous article we went through an overall view of preventive measures to prevent falls in the elderly. Falls in Toilets & Bathrooms are very common, hence this detailed note . The various aspects are Flooring: Replace slick surfaces: Opt for non-slip flooring like textured tiles or vinyl with a textured finish. Avoid glossy tiles and rugs, particularly near wet areas. Utilize non-slip mats and rugs: Place non-slip mats or rugs outside the bathtub/shower and in front of the sink, ensuring rubber backing prevents sliding. Maintain floor dryness: Promptly wipe spills and consider a grab bar near the shower/bathtub for safe exit. Grab Bars: Strategically install grab bars: Provide support for entering/exiting the bathtub/shower, using the toilet, and standing up. Install them near the toilet, bathtub/shower entrance/exit, and along walls. Choose sturdy grab bars: E
Post a Comment
Read more