The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the difficulty we health-care consumers often have making sense out of medical information. For example, some experts tell us to wear masks in public gatherings even if we are fully vaccinated and boosted. Other experts say that is unnecessary. We heard contradictions about how long one should quarantine after testing positive for the virus. There was conflicting information about whether it was advisable to get a flu shot at the same time as a COVID booster.
COVID information is only one example of the many contradictions we face in trying to assess health-care information. A Mayo Clinic study reported that 88 percent of diagnostic second opinions differed from the original diagnosis. And other studies have found that treatments prescribed to patients often vary from doctor to doctor, even when the patient’s underlying problem is agreed upon.
And let’s not forget the myriad of health news we read or hear about via the media. Should I drink coffee or not? Do I need to walk 10,000 steps a day? At what age should I start getting mammograms or colonoscopies? No matter what the subject, the information is often contradictory or just plain confusing.
To help you make sense out of medical information, here are some steps you can take to make it relevant to your situation.
Ask questions. It may sound obvious, but very few of us ask questions about a diagnosis made by our doctors. A study found that 70 percent of all adult Americans (and 85 percent of those over age 65) feel confident in the accuracy of their doctor’s advice and don’t feel the need for a second opinion or additional research. But asking questions and doing some research about any health or medical information relating to you or your condition is the best way to help you make your own medical and health decisions. This is especially important when a major diagnosis is made, such as cancer or heart-related issues. It’s equally important when a course of treatment is proposed. The more you ask, the more likely you’ll find the right course of action.
Seek consensus. I have often stated in this column that modern medicine is still more of an art than a science. Conflicting medical opinions and studies bear that out. That’s why it is important for you to be actively involved in your medical and health decision-making. The key is to look for consensus among health-care practitioners and studies about your condition or proposed course of treatment. One way to do this is to seek opinions from well-known hospitals or medical centers. Places like the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins offer online information about numerous conditions, and many offer online second-opinion services. Do an online search for facilities that specialize in your condition, and contact them for help.
Use your common sense. Don’t be overwhelmed by everything you see and hear when it comes to health information. Use your common sense to help determine what is relevant to you. You have been taking care of yourself for a long time. And remember that you are not a medical idiot! Keep a level head and you will make the right decisions.
