It has long been known that there is widespread/geographic variation in rates of treatment for conditions like back surgery, breast cancer, prostate cancer. As this report suggests, the variation may be due to variation in how physicians practice and influence their patients. More is not always better. When treatment for a condition is proposed, ask questions such as, "Is this considered standard of care, or are there other acceptable alternatives?" If the proposed treatment is surgical, ask, "Do you perform the other alternatives?"
The ultimate goal is to get the right physician in the passenger seat, one that is competent, listens to you, and both of you like each other, and to collaborate with the physician to determine the destination and route that make the most sense for you. Probably wouldn't hurt if he's board certified as well. It's a bonus if the guy you get in the passenger seat shares the same tastes in music and/or talk shows.
No comments:
Post a Comment