3 Reasons Why Doctors Might Propose an Ineffective or Dangerous Treatment
April 10th, 2017From diet plans and fitness trackers to heart rate monitors and medical alerts, there are countless apps that you can download to your smartphone to improve your health. However, nothing has the potential to improve your health–or save your life–like a simple Web search.
Pro Publica explored such a phenomenon when a man looked up “treatment of coronary artery disease” while waiting in the emergency department. His cardiologist had recommended he have a coronary angiogram, but the man found that the first treatment approach typically includes aspirin and hypertension medication.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks of undergoing a coronary angiogram include heart attack, stroke, and arrhythmias. Although this diagnostic procedure is beneficial and even necessary for some patients, the man in this particular situation spoke with his primary care physician, who determined that he was not one of them.
Unfortunately, thousands of other patients undergo unnecessary medical procedures, and they suffer complications they may have avoided if their doctors had provided a reasonable standard of care. If you were injured or lost a loved one because of a doctor’s negligence, contact The Bowling Law Firm
David A. Bowling is a medical malpractice lawyer in Jackson who will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call (504) 586-5200 today to schedule a consultation.
Let’s explore a few possible reasons why physicians might recommend dangerous, ineffective, or unnecessary procedures:
1. They Practice Outdated Methods
In the state of Mississippi, medical doctors must renew their license every two years. In order to renew their license, they must complete 40 hours of approved credits; however, this does not necessarily mean that all practicing physicians are up-to-date on the latest medical knowledge.
Relying on outdated treatment methods and failing to review new studies that are relevant to their field are just two reasons why physicians might prescribe dangerous or ineffective tests and treatments.
2. They Want to Boost Their Profits
Doctor’s offices and healthcare clinics are businesses just like any other, and that means their bottom line matters. Some diagnostic tests and treatment approaches are simply more profitable than others, and if physicians are worried about staying profitable, those may be the ones they prescribe.
3. They Want to Please Their Patients
The most popular procedures are not necessarily the most effective ones, but if that is what a patient wants, then the doctor might concede. When it comes to getting quality medical care, you are your own best advocate, but you should always do your research before requesting a procedure that your doctor is reluctant to provide.
If you were injured or lost a family member due to medical negligence, contact The Bowling Law Firm. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a wrongful death attorney in Jackson. Visit the USAttorneys website to learn more about medical malpractice claims in Mississippi.
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