Malpractice: Understand What Your Doctor is Saying
According to a study released by the Institute of Medicine and reported by the Associated Press in June 2008, more than 90 million Americans claim to not understand what their doctors are telling them, even for doctor/patient discussions of a non-critical nature. When your questions aren't answered, you don't understand what the doctor is saying, or gives vague answers, there is a risk that you may not receive the highest quality of care or be injured by that care, which leads to many people filing medical malpractice lawsuits.
The report cites six routine discussions and what an informed patient should consider:
1. Your doctor suggests you undergo a stress test: As an informed patient, you should ask your doctor whether the test is part of a routine physical, or whether there is an issue of concern.
2. Your doctor suggests you should lose weight: While we are all aware of the health benefits of being at a healthy weight, the informed patient should ask their doctor about whether test results show symptoms of high blood pressure, prediabetes, or high cholesterol.
3. When discussing a health issue and treatment, the doctor tells you there are several options to consider: To make the best, and most informed decision about a treatment plan, ask the doctor about both the pros and cons of each option.
4. Your doctor wants to run additional diagnostic testing: In order to be pro-active about personal health, you need to find out what diagnosis the doctor is looking to prove or rule out with the next test or tests.
5. The doctor tells you give a treatment plan a brief try, but asks you to “come back in” if the treatment doesn’t appear to be working: As an informed patient, you should be asking about the worst-case scenarios with the current plan of treatment, as well as the issues you should be monitoring at home.
6. When you think you need a second opinion: When dealing with a diagnosis of a chronic or serious illness, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor about seeking an additional opinion. In some cases, a second opinion can change a diagnosis and treatment. An informed patient should be asking your doctor “"If I went to another high-quality doctor like you, what's another legitimate approach he could offer me?"
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