Advocate: It's OK To Question Your Doctor
DETROIT (WWJ) - Metro Detroiters are horrified at allegations that a local doctor deliberately misdiagnosed patients — giving them unnecessary chemotherapy — in a money-making scheme.
So how do you ensure that you don't end up getting treatment for a condition you don't have?
Medical Advocate Dr. Abigail Schildcrout, with Practical Medical Insights in Huntington Woods, says it's all about arming yourself with information.
"Make sure that you read up on that diagnosis," Schildcrout told WWJ Health Reporter Sean Lee. "And you don't wanna go to random Internet sites. You really want to go to vetted sites that are well accepted within the medical establishment."
Doctor Schildcrout also says with a serious diagnosis like cancer, a second opinion is always warranted.
Schildcrout said patients should always ask questions.
"And I have seen that some people are nervous about what they may perceive as confronting or challenging their doctor," she said. "But I don't look at it as confronting or challenging. I really, really believe that when you question your doctor, and you arm yourself with good information, you're helping your doctors.
"... They need to know where you're coming from. They need to know what your fears are. They need to know what your goals are," Schildcrout said. "Because when everyone is on the same page, it really works better for everyone. You get to keep control, and not feel like you've gotten on some train that's going in some direction you never would have gone on."
Schildcrout said it's always OK to respectfully question; and it's always OK to say you're not comfortable with something.
To make sure you're getting the right treatment, enlist the help of your primary care doctor or a medical advocate.
