Professionals....

Ok Family...I believe this month is simply testing my patience. I do not want to sound like someone that complains all the time. So today I am going to use my platform to remind myself and others, sort of a public service announcement, that professionals are referred by that monicker for a reason. I am not saying that these individuals are better people, but they are considered Subject Matter Experts (SME) in their fields and we as clients/patients rely on their knowledge as guides to help us make decisions.
A few times this month , patients have entered the office with their own self diagnosis of their condition and their own idea of how I need to treat that presenting condition. Now understand, I am in favor of anyone educating themselves on their body and how it is functioning. We have to remember that conditions, disease processes or dysfunction does not and has not read the book that you have. Many times signs and symptoms have over lapping presentations to more than one presenting condition or disease. As a guide I am here to help make that discernment, i.e. Differential Diagnosis. Due to a variety of variables, not everything is treated in the manner that is presented in the book or read literature. This is where expertise and experience plays a role.
Enclosing allow the professionals to offer any options to resolve the difficulties you could be experiencing. Their job is to help flush out the variables and narrow the defining condition for the best results. Sure it is not a perfect solution but I will say it is closer to the mark than just the information read in the book or online.    

Whose Health is It...

Ok sorry family... I had to take a moment to get myself together. As a healthcare provider, I think it is so important that patients have an idea of what to expect from their provider and how services are rendered. My mother had a great doctor that would hold her accountable for her responsibility to her health. He would not deny her treatment or advice, but he would let her know when she was not doing what was recommended or if she was "slackin" with her role in her own health care. This perspective was reinforced when I encountered a patient that was uneducated regarding the type of services provided in the office as well as the approach to how those services are determined (physical examination). Needless to say there were accusations (incorrect and without substance, might I add...) made regarding her examination and treatment. I believe it was a ploy of some kind to get some money. Of course my real saving grace outside of God's Will, was the video cameras in the office that clearly showed her story and accusations were bullshit and fraudulent in its intent. Now understand that I am not disparaging this woman nor do I want her to be placed in a bad light. The truth is her true intent or reasoning is of my own assumption and is not based in fact as to what her motives were...
As a patient seeking care from a provider, it is necessary to ask questions, i.e. How did you come to your assessment? What is your treatment recommendation? How is that treatment provided? and other questions you should know that will give you a clear sense of what to expect. If your provider is unwilling to answer any or all these questions than it is your responsibility to leave or seek care from another provider. If you feel uncomfortable or believe what is being done regarding your treatment is inappropriate then stop the treatment and ask for a chaperone or get clarity. I will never say all providers/doctors are right in what they do or how they do it. The good ones will have explained the majority of this information from the start as well as protect themselves by ensuring patient understanding.
Enclosing, we all have to remember that providers/doctors are guided that help us make the best decisions. The responsibility does not shift to them when it comes to knowing how comfortable or a patient feels regarding the care given. Communicate your concerns often and in a timely manner.