Trust between patient and doctor is essential, but sometimes you need to be skeptical of a diagnosis or proposed treatment. Whether it’s skullduggery or out-and-out quackery, the warning signs and steps to take are the same…
When to be suspicious…
If a practitioner tries to sell you something—a procedure or a product—especially if he/she owns the facility or company involved. It’s a red flag if you hear, “I want you to take a supplement, but the only good one is the one I sell” or “It’s a new operation, and I’m the only person performing it.”
If a practitioner offers services beyond his/her area of expertise. This could be an effort to boost his income, such as an ob-gyn who adds cosmetic services.
What to do…
While you’re still at your appointment, say, “I want to think about this” or “I’m not ready to take action yet.” Once you’re home, research the doctor and/or the treatment.
Check the Dollars for Docs page of the Pro Publica watchdog agency to see if the doctor is receiving incentives to promote a drug or a medical device. Medical companies are required to disclose this, and the site compiles the information.
If the doctor claims to be a true pioneer in a new treatment, do an online search using “[doctor’s name] + research.” Then look to see if there are any studies in bona fide publications. Confirm that a publication is bona fide by looking it up on NCBI.nlm.nih.gov, a website of the National Library of Medicine.
Check your state licensing board for complaints against the doctor. Also check for board certification—and confirm that he is certified in the area of medicine in question. Research if he is affiliated with a leading hospital or medical school—these institutions are likely to weed out bad players.
Get a second or even third opinion. According to a well-reported 2017 study, 21% of patients who sought a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic left with a completely new diagnosis…and 66% of the diagnoses were deemed to be only partly correct and needed to be refined or completely redefined. Get an independent second opinion from a respected institution, not someone in the same practice as the first doctor or from anyone he suggests.
If, after all this, your trust has been eroded, look for a new doctor.
