Doctors are human, and they can make mistakes, and although you should listen to what they say as they are the ones with the years of training behind them, that doesn’t mean you should never question it. Read on to find out how to make sure you get the right diagnosis when you need it.  

Give All The Facts

You might have heard stories about people suing the NHS because they got the wrong diagnosis. You might even know someone who had it happen to them. When it does happen, it means that the right treatment is delayed and what could have been a simple ailment to treat becomes a lot more serious.  

One way to help prevent this from happening is to present all the facts to your doctor when you have an appointment with them. There will be a reason why you have decided to get checked out by a doctor, but being asked questions about your health can be nerve-wracking. This is why making a journal is a good idea. In the days or weeks leading up to your appointment, make a note of anything you notice has changed in your lifestyle; are you eating more or less? Has your sleep pattern changed? Anything that might be useful for the doctor to know should be mentioned.  

Be Honest

It can be tempting to bend the truth a little when talking to a doctor, and even sometimes outright lie. It’s because you don’t want to be embarrassed by some types of medical complaint, or because you know that you have been doing something you shouldn’t (eating a poor diet, not exercising, smoking or drinking too much, for example) and you don’t want the doctor to know and give you a lecture.  

The problem is, if you don’t offer up the whole truth of how you are living and what you are doing, you will be making it harder for a doctor to make a proper diagnosis, and they might miss something that, if they had all the facts, they would have been able to spot.  

Ask Questions

During the appointment, if there is anything you are unsure about and don’t understand, ask questions about it. A good doctor will be able to explain everything and put your mind at ease.  

Alternatively, you might have read something online or seen a TV show that mentioned a specific ailment that you think you might be suffering from. Ask questions about this too. It may seem silly, but it could be significant. If your doctor knows what they are talking about, they will be able to explain why your worries are not something to be concerned about, or otherwise.  

Get A Second Opinion

If you have told the doctor everything and listened to what they had to say, asking questions at the same time, and you are still not sure about what has been diagnosed, or you have a gut feeling that it could be something else, then you should ask for a second opinion. Sometimes another pair of eyes and a different perspective can be all that it takes.  

If this is the route you want to go down you should do it; don’t be afraid of hurting someone’s feelings or of being wrong. It is far better to look after your health.