How Would You Know If Your Doctor Was Committing Medical Errors?

The fast answer is you wouldn't. Unless you have some medical training there is no way to tell if what your doctor is telling you, or prescribing for you, is valid or effective, at first glance. Most patients trust their physician and accept what he says on faith, based on his previous track record or reputation. However, medical conditions often improve despite the treatment; and a doctor's reputation is often based on what patients and not peers think of him. Most patients appreciate a stern authoritative approach. Since they do not have sufficient medical knowledge to actually assess competence, they assume a physician with such an approach is competent and recommend him to relatives and friends. Such a physician even if incompetent, can enjoy much success, since patients discuss medical errors much less often than accomplishments by their own doctor. Discussing his errors would be admitting their poor ability to choose a good doctor, i.e. one who is generally perceived a! s incapable of committing errors. What can you do to improve your ability to both select a competent physician and detect if he is committing medical errors or delivering inappropriate care? Ask educated questions derived by checking your diagnosis...