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

Robotic Knee Replacement Surgery: Hype or Hope?

  For individuals living with chronic knee pain, the decision to undergo surgery is significant. It's filled with questions about accuracy, recovery, and long-term results. The recent advent of  Robotic Knee Replacement  has added a new dimension to this decision-making process. Is it a genuine medical advancement or simply technological hype? The consensus among leading orthopedic specialists is clear: when applied correctly, robotic assistance is a transformative tool that significantly enhances surgical outcomes. At  SCOT Bone & Joint Clinic , we leverage this technology to turn patient hope into a tangible, pain-free reality. Beyond the Hype: What is Robotic Knee Replacement? It's crucial to understand that the robot does not perform the surgery autonomously. Instead, think of it as a high-precision GPS for the knee. The surgeon remains in complete control, guided by real-time data and unparalleled accuracy. Systems like  MAKO  or  Cori  f...
Post a Comment
Read more

Falls Prevention in Toilets and Bathrooms: Essential Strategies for Safety

  Falls are a significant concern in bathrooms and toilets, especially for older adults and individuals with mobility issues. The combination of slippery surfaces, confined spaces, and the need for physical maneuvering makes these areas particularly hazardous. However, with thoughtful planning and the implementation of various safety measures, the risk of falls can be greatly reduced. This article outlines key strategies and interventions to promote safety in toilets and bathrooms. 1. Install Grab Bars Grab bars provide essential support and stability in bathrooms. They should be strategically placed near the toilet, shower, and bathtub. These bars help individuals maintain balance while transitioning from sitting to standing or stepping in and out of the shower. When installing grab bars, ensure they are securely anchored to the wall and can support a person's weight. 2. Use Non-Slip Mats and Strips Wet floors are a common cause of falls. Non-slip mats should be placed inside and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

INJURY CANNOT STOP HEROES SERIES Part 1 : Sachin Tendulkar - The God Of Cricket

this is the first of the series on Injuries Cannot Stop Heroes. Who better than my favourite sportsperson of all time. Easily India's best ever batsman and considering the pressure he was always under and the burden of expectations he carried on his shoulders may be even the best in the world. Sachin Tendulkar. From his Ranji Trophy debut in 1988 to his retirement with his final IPL match in 2013 , it was a glorious career of 25 years. And 25 years of being at the top of his game smashing records by the dozens. But that superhuman effort extracts a toll on the body and Sachin suffered a lot of injuries. The way he handled them by seeking the right advice , resting adequately whenever necessary, undergoing surgery for some , adherence to strict rehabilitation protocols and more importantly the changes he made to his batting are stuff that only great men can do.  There are many who stop playing after a single injury or cannot perform at the highest levels , but Sachin is a role model...
Post a Comment
Read more