Disagreeing with your doctor because you think you know better is like opening a can of worms. After all, most people haven’t been through seven years of medical training, endless placements in hospitals, and with years of practice behind them. A doctor has sworn an oath to help their patients and do no harm. While it’s true that the medical profession isn’t flawless, it’s overwhelmingly likely that your doctor just wants the best for you, and if they could click their fingers to make you perfectly healthy and well, they would.
That being said, doctors are human beings. They can make mistakes, or overlook certain issues. It’s hard to challenge them when you suspect that though, because you don’t want to seem difficult or dismiss when you really might not know better. However, does that mean you can’t advocate for yourself? Not at all.
In this post, we’ll discuss some rational ways you may disagree with your doctor, without necessarily being unethical, silly, or putting your own health at risk:
When You Need A Second Or Third Opinion
You might feel a touch awkward asking for a referral from your current doctor, but remember that good physicians welcome this kind of patient involvement, because even they know their word isn’t perfect law in 100% of cases. Your doctor could actually point you toward a specialist who has more experience with your specific condition. Many patients worry about offending their doctor by seeking additional input, but most healthcare providers view this as responsible patient behavior rather than a challenge to their authority, and if they do, well, you know to really avoid that doctor. So don’t be afraid to ask for second or third opinion unless immediate treatment is essential to your health.
When You Suspect Issues Are Being Overlooked
It's sometimes useful to keep a detailed symptom journal noting when problems occur, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect your daily life. This more concrete information gives your doctor something tangible to work with in case you suspect they’re not looking at an essential experience you’re having. For instance, if you’re overweight, you might politely suggest that you do understand how this is affecting your health, but you also believe this issue cannot be dismissed under that banner. In a similar sense, family medical history might also provide clues your doctor hasn't considered. Mentioning that three relatives have thyroid conditions could prompt testing that wouldn't otherwise happen, for example, so it can’t hurt to redirect or ask your doctor about certain events, without giving the impression you know more, or that alternative medicine is somehow better than what they’re offering (in almost all cases, it isn’t).
When You Suspect Medical Malpractice
This represents the most serious situation, and thankfully, it's relatively rare. Medical malpractice involves “negligence or harm that falls below professional standards of care”, as malpractice insurance services will often define it. To be more specific, you might notice issues like medication errors, surgical complications that weren't discussed as risks, or treatments that seem inappropriate for your condition. In these situations, you could consider consulting with another doctor immediately to go through your situation, or speak to legal help if you need it.
With this advice, we hope you can feel able to disagree with your doctor when necessary, but not in a manner that prevents you from really getting the help you need. Deferring to their judgement is usually the best approach, but this guide should help in those rare situations where further context is needed. Please note that this doesn’t constitute specific medical advice for your situation.
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