how to explain to your doctor why you don't want a medication treatment

If your doctor is firmly unsupportive of trying treatment options other than the one that you are uncomfortable with, explain that you want to find a second opinion first. A good doctor will be supportive of you looking for other opinions. They may even be able to recommend some other specialists.

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Why does my doctor need to know about my drug options?

Your doctor needs to know in order to change the drug or dose, or consider other options. New choices offer patients incredible options to improve their health. Your job is to understand your medicine and to tell your doctor if you can’t tolerate it or don’t want to take it.

How to talk to your doctor about medication?

How to talk to your doctor about medication 1 Find out why this particular medication. 2 Be sure you know how to take the medication. 3 Your doctor should carefully review medication side effects. 4 Keep track of your experience and ask questions. 5 Source.

What should I do if my Medication isn’t working?

But if a drug isn’t working for you or you are concerned about new symptoms or side effects, speak up. Your doctor needs to know in order to change the drug or dose, or consider other options. New choices offer patients incredible options to improve their health.

What do I need to know about my medication?

As a patient, it’s your right to understand everything about a medication prescribed for you. That doesn’t mean you have to become a scientist or pass an exam about pharmacology. But you can and should ask your doctor to explain to you why she has selected this medication for you, how it works, and what side effects you should expect.

Can you choose not to take medication?

In most cases, you cannot be forced to take medication. If you are offered medication, you usually have the right to refuse it and ask for an alternative treatment.

What should you not tell your doctor?

The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to PhysiciansAnything that is not 100 percent truthful. ... Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic. ... Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock. ... Complaining about other doctors. ... Anything that is a huge overreaction.More items...•

Why do I refuse to take medication?

Residents may refuse medication for a number of reasons, including religious beliefs, dietary restrictions, misunderstandings, cognitive impairment, desire to self-harm, or simple inconvenience. This action creates a unique situation for pharmacists and long-term facility staff, especially if patients have dementia.

What is the most common reason why patients do not take their medications?

The most common reasons for patient non-compliance to medications are intentional and include: high drug costs, fear of adverse events, being prescribed multiple medications, and experiencing either instant relief or medication ineffectiveness leading to self-discontinuation of medications.

What is medical Gaslighting?

Medical gaslighting is when a healthcare provider dismisses your complaints or concerns. They don't seem to take you seriously or blame your symptoms on a vague cause (such as stress). And they may send you home without a proper diagnosis or treatment plan.

Do doctors judge you?

The survey found that 40% of physicians reported having biases toward certain groups of patients. For a handful of specialties, closer to half of doctors said they harbored biases, including 62% of emergency medicine doctors, 50% of orthopedists, 48% of psychiatrists and 47% of family medicine doctors and OB-GYNs.

Can doctor force you to take medication?

For the most part, adults can decline medical treatment. Doctors and medical professionals require informed consent from patients before any treatment, and without that consent, they are prohibited from forcibly administering medical care.

What if the patient refuses treatment What to do?

If your patient refuses treatment or medication, your first responsibility is to make sure that he's been informed about the possible consequences of his decision in terms he can understand. If he doesn't speak or understand English well, arrange for a translator.

How do you document medication refusal?

DOCUMENTING INFORMED REFUSALdescribe the intervention offered;identify the reasons the intervention was offered;identify the potential benefits and risks of the intervention;note that the patient has been told of the risks — including possible jeopardy to life or health — in not accepting the intervention;More items...

Why do doctors push medications?

Their function is to persuade physicians and surgeons to increase sales volume by persuading the medical profession to prescribe newer and more expensive drugs to patients, even though most of these drugs are variations that offer little more than older medications.

What do you call someone who doesn't believe in medicine?

Today, many religious groups routinely reject some or all mainstream health care on theological grounds, including Christian Scientists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Amish and Scientologists.

What percentage of patients do not take their medicines as prescribed?

The treatment of chronic illnesses commonly includes the long-term use of pharmacotherapy. Although these medications are effective in combating disease, their full benefits are often not realized because approximately 50% of patients do not take their medications as prescribed.

What should I ask my doctor about a medication?

But you can and should ask your doctor to explain to you why she has selected this medication for you, how it works, and what side effects you should expect. An article in Pharmacy World and Science explores what medications mean to patients and why it’s important to think about these concepts. Do I need this medicine? How will it impact my body? What control do I have over the effects of the drug?

Why are scientists working on new drugs?

Scientists are continually working on new and better drugs to manage medical conditions, from high blood pressure to autoimmune diseases to cancer. The mechanism of a drug — how it actually works on the condition it is mean to treat — is one important factor, but drug delivery, meaning how the medication arrives at the target it is meant to affect, ...

What does it mean when a doctor says "brand name only"?

Sometimes a physician will try a drug that is new to the market, but you need to know exactly what makes this medicine special for your condition. Be wary of medicines that are “brand name only.”. That means they are newer to medical practice, will likely be more expensive, and that there is less experience using them.

Can you stop breathing when you stop taking a medicine?

Anyone can be allergic to a medicine (and sometimes it’s just a simple rash that fades when you stop the drug), but a more serious and potentially life-threatening side effect is anaphylaxis. That means that you can actually stop breathing as your body goes into crisis mode.

Is the CDC relaxed?

The CDC has relaxed some prevention measures, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated, and especially outdoors. Meanwhile, scientists continue to explore treatments and to keep an eye on viral variants. Stay Informed. View Coronavirus COVID-19 Resource Center.

Does Harvard Health Publishing have archived content?

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Is there more than one medicine?

No matter what the health condition is, there is always more than one choice of medication to treat it. Ask why the one your doctor recommends is the best choice for you. You want to know what the medicine is expected to do and how that will be monitored. Will you be expected to keep a log of your pain, symptoms, blood pressure, or blood sugars? Is this a medicine your doctor has used before and is familiar with? It’s a red flag if he says, “Well, I haven’t tried it before with a patient, but it seems like the right choice.”

What to do if you're bad about taking antibiotics?

If you're bad about taking or finishing the drugs your doctor prescribed -- no matter what it is -- tell your doctor. Your doctor won't punish you. But if, for instance, you've had a stubborn infection that won't clear up, it helps your doctor to know that you didn't finish the antibiotic they prescribed. 6.

Why do people withhold information from their doctors?

Patients withhold information from their doctors for a variety of reasons. Often they just don't think their marital problems, anxiety, or worries are fodder for their cholesterol checkup. Or they're embarrassed to bring up touchy topics like sex or bathroom problems like incontinence or constipation.

Why is it important to share your hobbies with your doctor?

You may not think sharing your hobbies with your doctor is of any importance, especially since many hobbies are an excellent way to reduce stress and contribute to good health. But it could be your hobby that's responsible for some medical symptoms.

How can a doctor help with depression?

Your doctor can help in offering advice, referring you to the right specialist, or suggesting a counselor to deal with stress. They can also evaluate if medication or therapy might help with depression.

What to keep from your doctor?

Here are the top eight secrets you keep from your doctor and why you should spill them. 1. Use of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicines, Herbal Supplements, and Vitamins. You may think the doctor will look down their nose at certain herbs and supplements, but you need to tell them exactly what you take.

Can you take acetaminophen with liver disease?

For instance, Kaminetsky says people with liver disease should use acetaminophen sparingly if at all. Likewise, certain weight loss supplements could have cardiac implications for someone with heart disease.

Can a doctor break confidentiality?

Plus, doctor-patient confidentiality laws ensure your information remains private. In most states, doctors can only break confidence if someone is an imminent danger to themselves or others.

What to do if the 2 doctors do not agree?

If the 2 doctors do not agree, it’s best to seek a third opinion to help you decide.

How to stop a doctor from asking questions?

Sometimes a doctor will begin responding to your concerns before you’re finished explaining everything because they want to start trying to help. If this happens, say, “Oh, sorry, I wasn’t finished. I think…” and continue with what you were saying.

What is a doctor patient relationship?

A doctor-patient relationship should be one of trust, one in which you feel confident that your doctor has your best interests in mind. If you’re questioning some treatments or recommendations that your doctor is making, you should feel comfortable bringing up your concerns with them. Often, the disagreement will be resolved once both parties have ...

How to get a second opinion?

1. Tell your doctor you want a second opinion before committing. If your doctor is firmly unsupportive of trying treatment options other than the one that you are uncomfortable with, explain that you want to find a second opinion first. A good doctor will be supportive of you looking for other opinions.

What to do if your doctor is rude?

If your doctor is often rude to you, even if they seem knowledgeable overall, find another provider. This is not a beneficial dynamic. A quality doctor should be knowledgeable, but they should also be kind, supportive, and attentive to your questions and needs.

What to say when your doctor says something you're not sure you understand?

If your doctor says something that you’re not sure you understand, say, “Sorry, I’m not sure I understood what you just said. Can you explain that to me again?”

How do you know if you should leave your doctor?

Other signs that it may be time to leave your doctor include your doctor not coordinating well with other physicians, their office is disorganized, or your doctor is so rarely available that you usually see assistants or nurse practitioners instead.

What to do if you disagree with your doctor?

If you still disagree with your doctor, you can always seek another doctor's advice. "A good physician simply does not resent a patient wanting to get a second opinion," says Dr. Steven Nissen, a cardiologist and chairman of the department of cardiovascular medicine at Cleveland Clinic.

What are the factors that determine a doctor's diagnosis?

The Diagnosis. Doctors make diagnoses by considering many aspects of health, including a physical exam and factors such as: Symptoms. Medical history (your age, gender, weight and past health conditions) Risk factors for disease (such as a high cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease)

Why does Perskin do MRIs?

Perskin frequently hears from patients who want blood tests for Lyme disease because of news reports about ticks carrying the disease or patients who want MRIs because they have a little lower back pain.

Why is it good to get a second opinion?

"That's good because you want the patient to be comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment plan. If they hear multiple voices in agreement, they'll say, 'Gee, I ought to listen to them.'"

Why would you disagree with a heart palpitation?

Why would you disagree? It could be a gut feeling. Maybe you just know the heart palpitations you're experiencing aren't linked to stress , as your doctor has suggested. Or maybe you have a symptom like fatigue that could have many explanations, such as a sleep disorder, an underactive thyroid or depression.

What are the risk factors for disease?

Risk factors for disease (such as a high cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease) Family medical history (for example, any links to cancer or diabetes) Medical test results. Medical imaging. The doctor is an expert at interpreting the information and figuring out what it means.

How to avoid knee replacement surgery?

For example, you feel you can avoid knee replacement surgery by doing physical therapy and getting knee injections. You're worried about complications. Maybe your doctor recommends that an enlarged prostate should be treated with surgery, which is associated with side effects such as incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Why Does My Doctor Refuse to Prescribe Pain Medication?

There are three main reasons a physician may refuse to prescribe opioids, whether to someone who has never taken them or someone who has been on them for a significant period.

Why do people seek medical care?

Chronic pain is one of the top reasons adults seek out medical care and results in diminished quality of life for its sufferers. Opioid medications have long been prescribed to help people manage their chronic pain and live productive lives. However, the rising tide of the opioid crisis has led to concerns that opioids are over-prescribed.

How to taper opioids?

Although these symptoms are not usually life-threatening, experiencing them alongside the resurgence of your chronic pain can be debilitating. The new guidelines from the HHS emphasize that focusing too hard on reducing opioid intake in people with chronic pain may produce unintended and unwanted results. A careful taper of opioid pain medication usually involves the physician: 1 Monitoring temperature, blood pressure and pulse. 2 Taking urine or blood samples to get a clear picture of all substances in your system. 3 Obtaining information that may help optimize the taper from other healthcare providers or family members. 4 Recommending other types of therapies for pain. 5 Prescribing medications that help manage common withdrawal symptoms and ease discomfort.

Why are doctors scaling back their prescribing?

Changing Standards for Pain. Doctors who are attempting to scale back their prescribing to avoid any chance of breaking prescription regulations for opioids may change the way they evaluate their patients’ pain.

How many people misuse opioids?

Research shows that approximately 21 to 29% of patients misuse the opioids they are prescribed for chronic pain. Somewhere between 8 and 12% of all patients prescribed painkillers develop an opioid use disorder, and about 4 to 6% of people who misuse their prescription end up transitioning to heroin. There is clearly a slippery slope involved in ...

How long can you take an opioid in New Jersey?

For instance, New Jersey’s new law on opioids prohibits authorized prescribers from issuing an initial prescription for more than five days. There are no exceptions to the rule, including for the management of post-operative pain. Additionally, the prescription for acute pain must be for the lowest effective dose.

What happens if you stop taking pain medication?

The signs and symptoms of opioid withdrawal include: Anxiety or agitation. Difficulty sleeping. Nausea and vomiting. Abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Sweating and fever. Trembling. Rapid heartbeat.

Why do people complain about doctors?

Not all visits are like this, of course. But many are. Studies show most complaints about doctors don’t have anything to do with their medical skills. It's mostly about poor communication.

What to do when you miss an appointment?

Consider bringing a friend or family member to your appointment. Someone else may catch things you miss, or ask a question you haven’t thought of.

What are the names of the educational models that doctors use to communicate?

Doctors are trying to do their part to communicate better, following educational models with names like AIDET -- Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration (allowing an adequate amount of time to talk), Explanation, and Thank You -- and RESPECT (Rapport, Empathy, Support, Partnership, Explanations, Cultural Competence, and Trust).

What should a doctor do when he or she doesn't explain a decision?

A doctor should be open and thorough about why he or she recommends a certain treatment or orders a specific test, plus share all results with you . If a doctor doesn't explain a decision, "or at least not to your satisfaction, at that point a doctor is bad," Lin says.

How do doctors make themselves available to patients?

A growing number of doctors are making themselves available to patients via email, text message and virtual platforms like Skype, and at the very least, you need to know that in an emergency, you won't be left hanging.

How to tell if a doctor is vested in listening to you?

Ask for recommendations from friends and other people in your area, which you can do in online forums. Ask a doctor you're considering if you can come in for a quick meeting with the physician or just come to the office to get a sense of the environment. If a doctor is willing to take a few minutes to meet with you, that shows he or she is vested in listening to you down the road. If the office is clean and the staff is calm and professional, those are good signs.

How do you know if you should fire your doctor?

Here are 12 signs it's time to fire your doctor. You and your doctor don't mesh. You and your doctor don't need to see eye to eye on everything, but it's helpful if you work well together. If you want a partnership, for example, a doctor who spouts commands is not the best fit; if you value a warm bedside manner, consider ditching a formal, ...

What is the most important skill a physician can have?

Listening is one of the most important skills a physician can have, says Dr. Neel Anand, professor of orthopedic surgery and director of spine trauma at Cedars-Sinai Spine Center Center in Los Angeles.

How many doctors are there in ProPublica?

For example, ProPublica’s Vital Signs API database provides information on 1.3 million doctors and other health care professionals throughout the U.S.

What is the role of primary care physician?

Your primary care physician should be the quarterback of your health care team, managing each step of the medical process. That means keeping track of specialists' reports and instructions and talking with you about their recommendations. If he or she is slacking, an important piece of your care could slip through the cracks.