Reasons Doctors Say No

Posted by Anthony Lee Jul 18, 2009

As patients, we like to view our doctors as people who can help us. Naturally, it's easy to assume that, if they want to help us, they will grant our every wish to be healthy and disease-free. It's no wonder that some people feel upset if he or she asks for a specific test or treatment and the doctor says no.

At first, it may seem that the doctor is cruel. However, I know enough about how doctors think to say that there's often a good rationale for such a response. For example, a doctor may say no to a test or treatment because it may be more expensive than the standard without actually being better. This is especially true when a medically-oriented advertisement seems promising. Also, the requested test or treatment may be more dangerous than the standard that has a more acceptable safety profile.

In such cases, you also want to consider how the doctor is acting in the patient's best interest by thinking in the long term. Suppose a patient asks for a test or treatment that the doctor says is neither efficacious nor safe, but the patient really believes it will help. What will happen if the patient finds out the doctor is right? Will the patient regret not listening in the first place?

Basically, thinking of the patient's best interests doesn't just mean making sure the best options are available. It also means advising against bad options if the patient is tempted to pursue them without understanding their risks and benefits. The next time you find yourself not getting what you're asking your doctor for, take a step back and consider the doctor's position. It never hurts, and it's often a good idea, to talk with your doctor in order to come to a consensus.