My wrist fracture continues to offer me important lessons in health care.
I’ve now seen
three different providers relating to my wrist-two primary care practitioners
and an orthopedist group. Each one had a different perspective.
So who do you
believe? Which directions do you follow? Do you find yourself wanting to
believe each of them so you don’t offend anyone? If you say something to one
provider about what another has said, are you coming across as complaining?
Could this hurt your care?
In my case, I
went with the orthopedist, did some research on current practices regarding
wrist fractures, and observed how I was feeling and functioning.
As much as we
want to believe medicine is an exact science, it isn’t. There are conflicting
results from studies as well as how providers differ in their interpretation of
studies, lab results etc. to say nothing of the fact that humans do make
mistakes.
Things to
consider:
• If two
doctors disagree, seek a third opinion.
• Select one
provider as your “go to” for the particulars about your specific condition.
• Ask for
opinions in writing. When you compare them side by side, you may fine more
similarities than you previously thought.
• Take
notes-keep a personal health notebook
• Sign release
forms so your primary provider has information about the care you are receiving
from other providers.
• Make sure
your provider(s) have all of your health information
• Choose what’s
right for you when it comes to treatments. Ask plenty of questions such as
cost; effects of having or not having the treatment; other options; why they
are for or against it. Remember you have to live with the decision made.
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