1. Do ask, they'll tell The first and the most important point is asking patients if they are using herbs or natural health products or visiting an alternative practitioner. This should be standard as part of the history for any medical visit. Some patients think that if it is natural then it can do no harm and see no need to tell their doctors.
Full Answer
Do you tell your doctor about your alternative treatments?
A number of research studies have found that one in three patients routinely use alternative treatments but seven out of 10 users of alternative therapies do not tell their physicians. Complementary treatments are used more commonly among people diagnosed with chronic or life-threatening conditions.
Why do patients seek alternative medicine?
Patients with AIDS, cancer, and chronic mental-health illness often seek alternative treatments and practitioners because their conditions are not always adequately helped by conventional medicine.
Should physicians prescribe complementary or alternative medicine?
Physicians are deeply divided over the efficacy of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Many believe that such treatments have a place within everyday medical treatment; others feel that prescribing or condoning them is not responsible medicine.
What can I do if my doctor doesn’t agree with Me?
Bring an advocate with you to appointments. If you’re in doubt that you and your doctor are agreeing on treatments or communicating well in general, try bringing a support person with you. This can be a relative or trusted friend.
How do you tell your doctor you're switching?
If you're ready to break up with your current physician and find a new one, these steps will help make the change pain-freeDon't worry about explaining why you're leaving. ... Request your medical records pronto. ... Research new candidates thoroughly. ... Make sure your new doctor can take you on.
How do I ask my doctor to change medicine?
Call the provider when you feel like changing your medicine. Know all the medicines that you take. Tell your provider about your prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, and any vitamins, supplements, or herbs. Together with your provider, decide what medicines you will take.
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...•
What are examples of alternative treatments?
Traditional alternative medicine may include:Acupuncture.Ayurveda.Homeopathy.Naturopathy.Chinese or Oriental medicine.
How do you ask for a different medication?
Schedule a doctor visit to specifically go over your medications. Ask questions about what each prescribed drug is for and whether there are any that are not necessary. You should also talk about any new symptoms and ask whether drugs could be causing them.
How can I get my doctor to give me medicine?
Getting a prescription filledWriting a paper prescription that you take to a local pharmacy.Calling or e-mailing a pharmacy to order the medicine.Sending your prescription to the pharmacy by way of a computer that is linked to the provider's electronic medical record (EMR)
Can doctors tell if your lying?
According to the WSJ, many doctors look for signs of lying, such as avoiding eye contact, frequent pauses in the converstion, unusual voice inflections and other signs of anxiety.
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 ever lie to patients?
Research shows that it happens rather often. Eleven percent of 1,800-plus physicians recently surveyed by Massachusetts General Hospital admitted to having lied to a patient in the preceding year, and 55 percent said they'd described a prognosis to a patient in a more positive light than was medically accurate.
What is the most popular alternative medicine?
Most Popular Alternative Healing TherapiesAcupuncture – One of the better known alternative healing therapies is acupuncture. ... Acupressure – Acupressure just like acupuncture works on the principal of various specific points being energy centers of the human body.More items...•
What are the disadvantages of alternative medicine?
Disadvantages of Alternative Medicine for Back PainMinimal scientific research. When it comes to scientific proof, evidence is still limited. ... Longer term treatment. Traditional medical procedures can be quick and easy. ... Not useful in emergency cases. ... No Regulation.
What are five alternative medicines?
Complementary or alternative medicine can be classified into five major categories of practice: Whole medical systems. Mind-body techniques....Whole Medical SystemsAyurveda. ... Homeopathy.Naturopathy. ... Traditional Chinese medicine.
Why Talk With Your Doctor
When you’re reading about treatments for common medical conditions, you’ll notice a word of warning about CAM that is almost always the same: Talk with your doctor before starting any forms of complementary or alternative treatment. There are reasons for this advice.
How to Talk With Your Doctor
Despite important safety considerations, many people still hesitate to talk with their doctor about trying CAM therapies. They may be afraid the doctor will not take them seriously or dismiss the therapy outright. But many experts believe it’s important to have the conversation, both to protect your health and to possibly improve it. Here’s how:
About The Author
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site.
How to ask for a second opinion
You may feel awkward asking your doctor for a second opinion on their diagnosis or treatment plan. But asking some additional questions from another doctor or specialist may help.
Next steps
Talk to your insurance company. Once you have a conversation with your doctor, the next step is to talk to your insurance company. Ask if they will pay for a second opinion. Your current doctor can send your medical records to another medical professional for review.
Tips for specific health concerns
Cancer diagnosis. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, you may want a team of doctors to review your case. One study shows that 43% of patients received a different diagnosis after receiving a second opinion.
Why do doctors choose their words carefully when discussing CAM?
Both physicians choose their words carefully when discussing CAM because they face a rather thin line between what is medically acceptable, even if unorthodox, and what is not. If you exaggerate claims, you may be sued for malpractice or hauled before your medical board.
Is CAM a medical treatment?
Treatments That Are Still Controversial. Physicians are deeply divided over the efficacy of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). Many believe that such treatments have a place within everyday medical treatment; others feel that prescribing or condoning them is not responsible medicine.
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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 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 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.
Why can't I refuse treatment?
The only times that you may not be allowed to refuse treatment is if the health professionals feel that you “lack capacity” to make an informed decision. This means that your mind is impaired in some way, preventing you from using and understanding information to make an informed decision.
Can you refuse treatment if you have a DNR?
You can also refuse treatment if you have signed a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form in case of an emergency. This may be included with your Advance Directive forms on file with your doctor or at your local hospital. In this case, a court will have to appoint a power of attorney health care for you.
Can I appoint a power of attorney for health care?
You can appoint your own power of attorney for health care in the case of debilitating illness or emergency. This may be a good idea for decisions to sustain life, or situations where you are physically or mentally unable to tell doctors what you want. Talk to your attorney about this process.