An ivillage.com article offered some advice on what to do and not do to when getting started with a physician.
“The doctor should ask thorough questions but the patient needs to be honest and not withhold information, even if it’s embarrassing or hard to talk about. Know your – and your family’s – medical history and bring in any medications you are taking, even if you think they are unrelated. If the doctor doesn’t have all the information, the likelihood of a misdiagnosis increases.
Don’t be shy: Whether it’s voicing concerns or mentioning tests you’ve read about or asking about drug interactions, patients need to speak up. It’s ok to do your own homework, just don’t get too caught up in self-diagnosing online before your appointment…”
In the article one physician “recommends telling the new provider about your symptoms but not necessarily mentioning what the previous diagnosis was.” “This can lead the doctor to make the same diagnosis. After the doctor has questioned and examined you, you may choose to tell him or her what the initial doctor thought and then get the second doctor’s opinion on the diagnosis. If the second practitioner offers a different diagnosis, you can then go back to your original doctor with it to see what he or she thinks. ”
“The bottom line is, even if it takes visiting six different doctors to get a proper diagnosis, it’s important to trust your instinct and persist with finding out what’s wrong rather than ending up another statistic with a story of misdiagnosis to tell. Being a prepared patient and creating a solid, honest relationship with your doctor will hopefully aid in getting to the bottom of what’s ailing you.”
Click here to read the full ivillage.com article “Is Your M.D. Missing Something? How to Avoid and Handle a Misdiagnosis” by Meg Hemphill.
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.