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As a patient (or a patient advocate for a loved-one), anytime a test is proposed it is important to ask what actionable information can come out of it. Basicall
by athenot 8y ago
As a patient (or a patient advocate for a loved-one), anytime a test is proposed it is important to ask what actionable information can come out of it. Basically look 2 steps ahead.
Some tests will help confirm a course of treatment, or propose a new one. But what if that treatment is something you've already decided you won't do? For example in an older patient too old for a surgery or a baby that you've already decided you'll keep.
But you are right, some tests are ordered out of a desire to show that "something is being done". It's important to talk with the doctor about the cost (not just money but pain & recovery) and benefit. Everything is a tradeoff.
- maxxxxx 8y ago"Some tests will help confirm a course of treatment, or propose a new one. But what if that treatment is something you've already decided you won't do? For example in an older patient too old for a surgery or a baby that you've already decided you'll keep. " I had the impression that a lot of doctors go through the same test protocols independent of patient situation. They are more deliberate with the actual treatment but there seems less thought about the necessity of testing.
- athenot 8y agoIt also varies by doctor. Some like to order more tests than their peers. That's why it's important to have a doctor with whom you can openly discuss these tradeoffs. The vast majority are open to that, but some will give you the stink eye if they interpret that as you questionning their algorithm.