School-Based Efforts Boost Kids' Fruit, Vegetable Intake

Title: School-Based Efforts Boost Kids' Fruit, Vegetable Intake
Category: Health News
Created: 9/19/2008 2:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 9/19/2008

Doctor's Specialty Influences Treatment Plan
You may think that your doctor is knowledgeable in all methods of treating your illness. The truth is if you go to ten different doctors you'll probably get five different treatment plans. What drives the decision for the doctor? The doctor's specialty will drive the decision. If you got to someone for a diagnosis who is a surgeon, invariably the first line of defense will be surgery. Understand that the bias is based on the lens the physician look through based on years of specialty training and their inherent belief that their sub-specialty is the key to wellness.

Newly Diagnosed - 3 Reasons to Get a Second Opinion

Reassurance of Both Diagnosis and Treatment Protocol
Some diseases don't have what doctor's call a differential diagnosis; meaning that the diagnosis couldn't be something else based on specific test results like a pathology report for those diagnosed with cancer. However, if you are diagnosed with a chronic illness or some rare disorder that most doctors don't see in the course of their practice you want to make sure the diagnosis is correct. One way of accomplishing that is to go see a specialist who treats that particular disorder. If only 100 cases a year are diagnosed then the odds are good that one or a group of physicians see these cases for confirming the diagnosis and the most recent treatment protocols. If the doctor doesn't specialize in rare diseases you may not get the most up-to-date treatment and that can derail your journey to wellness.

Our culture has taught us not to question the expertise of a doctor. Unfortunately, that thinking has led many diagnosed with a life-altering health diagnosis with either lackluster care or minimal if any alternatives. It's important to remember that in this day and age there is always an option and there isn't only one answer to solve the problem.

Peace of Mind
Before committing to a treatment plan, the second opinion is a self-empowerment tool. Although many doctors look at the second opinion as challenging their competence, in fact it's a way of grounding yourself in the diagnosis. Getting confirmation of the diagnosis and another doctor's opinion on treatment opens the door for you to not only get the best treatment, but also gives you the opportunity to see which provider you have better chemistry with and that also improves the outcome.

When getting a second opinion go outside the medical group where you were first diagnosed. Doctors who work together or are part of the same hospital system often think the same way based on policy from the administrators. Getting both a fresh pair of eyes to look at your case along with a system that has different policies will give you a more objective view of your case. If there's a teaching hospital in your area you might consider that for your second opinion because there is more inclination to dissect your case amongst many practitioners as a learning tool, but also based on the latest evidence and research newer therapies may be presented.

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