Saturday, December 7, 2019

Life with Chronic Conditions: When the Docs Differ, who do you trust?


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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