When Testing Gets in the Way
Description
When a patient comes to me with complicated symptoms, I typically order a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis. But what happens if those tests all come back normal?
There are conditions that can’t be identified by CAT scans, blood tests or ultrasounds. And sometimes testing only adds to a patient’s anxiety and makes them feel worse.
So, how do you decide when testing is necessary and when it isn’t?
On this inaugural episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with my pediatrician husband, Christopher, to discuss how his approach to testing differs from mine and why testing children often does more harm than good.
We explain why American doctors tend to over-rely on tests, and I share a case study of a patient whose tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed with a CAT scan, ultrasound or lab work.
Listen in to understand how poor communication leads to patient mistrust and learn how to diagnose patients and communicate clearly—without over-relying on tests.
Key Takeaways
How my pediatrician husband Christopher’s testing philosophy differs from mine
The question Christopher asks before ordering a test for a patient
Why doctors in India look down on American physicians for our overreliance on tests
How my patient with tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed through testing
Why testing in children often does more harm than good
An example of a young leukemia patient who could have been diagnosed sooner with lab work
Why doctors tend to write off patients when their tests come back normal
How power of suggestion makes us believe a problem is much worse
How a doctor’s inability to communicate leads to patient frustration and mistrust
The power in showing confidence and humility in communication with patients
Connect with Dr. Meyer
Dr. Meyer’s Website
Email: christine@christinemeyermd.com
Resources
Atul Gawande
United States
