Don't get me wrong; I am all for being your own advocate in your health care. Everyone should have a clear understanding of what is being done to/for them medically and what the ramifications are. But it does kinda drive me up a wall when patients come into our office having already "diagnosed" themselves (usually via the internet :chair: ) and completely shutting off the the assessment/suggestions of the doctor/NP/PA.
IBS is one frequent example. No one wants to hear that that could be their dx. Needs to be something you can cure with atbx and fix RIGHT NOW. Had a gal last week wanting all manner of stool testing done when she was classically IBS. NP ordered what he felt was appropriate and held his ground on all the extra nonsense; said she needed to give the treatment longer than one day to work :). Is it any wonder that health care is so outrageously expensive when people with no medical training want to play doctor and direct what tests are to be done? Regardless of whether or not the tests are clinically indicated, the provider almost feels obliged to order them because we are in such a litiguous society (U.S.) And truly, I don't care what your family member who is in the profession thinks. If they aren't treating you, they aren't ordering the tests. If you want that family member to be your doctor, don't come into our office and ask our opinion.
Rant over .
Feel better, thanks!