View this important TED talk to hear more about the four questions you should ask your doctor:
- Is it really necessary?
- What are the risks?
- What are the alternatives?
- What would happen if I choose to do nothing?
Dr. Mjaset makes a very important point that medical providers (often in good faith or in ignorance of the facts) often recommend procedures that are not necessary. For example, research has shown that outcomes for most patients who have meniscus cartilage surgery on their knee would do just as well if they never had the surgery in the first place.
Asking these questions is a concrete way that you, as a patient, can take more responsibility for managing your own health care. I strongly encourage it at Dr Smith Direct Care!
