When patients have ailments they present these issues to a diagnostician who then advises them to have some sort of follow up in order to ascertain the degree of the problem.
The patient assumes he/she is receiving credible advice and that they are directed in the proper direction to obtain information that will help solve their problem.
However assumptions as we all know may sometimes lead to complications.
Medicine has become a specialized field and not all physicians are knowledgeable or specially trained in all areas, so concerns arise when physicians order examinations that may not be appropriate for the symptoms being presented.
Insurance also has a part in denying or approving payment for many of these procedures, patients need to know what their coverages will allow.
The other issue involves the facility the patient is advised to have the procedure performed in.
Are they being referred to the best available facility for that procedure? Is the procedure commonly performed there? Is the personnel trained? Is the facility approved or certified by State and Local agencies? Is the equipment up to date? Is the facility in a safe environment? Is the interpretation of the procedure being evaluated by someone with the proper credentials to do so? These issues tend to not be addressed unless there is a problem after the fact.
The patient who is ultimately effected by the outcome of the results, must be willing to step forward and accept some responsibility.
Patients need to first be aware of the limitations of their physicians, physicians now practice 'Defensive Medicine', where by many procedures are not done solely because the physician wants to be thorough in their treatment plans, but rather because they are trying to protect themselves from a potential lawsuit.
Plus there is the 'Good Ole Boy Network' were physicians refer patients to cronies they have had a business relationship with in the past, even though this may not be the most convenient or expert facility for the patient.
Choose your physicians wisely.
The onus to investigate the facility also falls to the patient, either by phone calls, internet or even visiting a facility before hand to insure this is the appropriate place to get the results needed.
Unfortunately many patients blindly trust their physicians to make these decisions for them, never questioning these directives.
Which has in part led us to the current level of substandard care in many instances.
The advice is not to take too much for granted when it comes to your medical care, ask questions and be involved in your treatment plans, your health is your most precious commodity.
The patient assumes he/she is receiving credible advice and that they are directed in the proper direction to obtain information that will help solve their problem.
However assumptions as we all know may sometimes lead to complications.
Medicine has become a specialized field and not all physicians are knowledgeable or specially trained in all areas, so concerns arise when physicians order examinations that may not be appropriate for the symptoms being presented.
Insurance also has a part in denying or approving payment for many of these procedures, patients need to know what their coverages will allow.
The other issue involves the facility the patient is advised to have the procedure performed in.
Are they being referred to the best available facility for that procedure? Is the procedure commonly performed there? Is the personnel trained? Is the facility approved or certified by State and Local agencies? Is the equipment up to date? Is the facility in a safe environment? Is the interpretation of the procedure being evaluated by someone with the proper credentials to do so? These issues tend to not be addressed unless there is a problem after the fact.
The patient who is ultimately effected by the outcome of the results, must be willing to step forward and accept some responsibility.
Patients need to first be aware of the limitations of their physicians, physicians now practice 'Defensive Medicine', where by many procedures are not done solely because the physician wants to be thorough in their treatment plans, but rather because they are trying to protect themselves from a potential lawsuit.
Plus there is the 'Good Ole Boy Network' were physicians refer patients to cronies they have had a business relationship with in the past, even though this may not be the most convenient or expert facility for the patient.
Choose your physicians wisely.
The onus to investigate the facility also falls to the patient, either by phone calls, internet or even visiting a facility before hand to insure this is the appropriate place to get the results needed.
Unfortunately many patients blindly trust their physicians to make these decisions for them, never questioning these directives.
Which has in part led us to the current level of substandard care in many instances.
The advice is not to take too much for granted when it comes to your medical care, ask questions and be involved in your treatment plans, your health is your most precious commodity.