Options for Seeking Medical Help When Your Doctor Cannot Diagnose Your Condition

If your general physician fails to diagnose the condition you believe you have, they might refer you to a specialist or suggest finding a different healthcare provider.

Only Two Possibilities!

1. Your doctor does not know enough and you need to get another opinion!

2. Your problem is psychological and functional. You need a therapist not a doctor!

Get a Second Opinion

To get some peace of mind, it's recommended that you seek a second opinion. This is especially important if your current symptoms and concerns are not being fully addressed. However, before taking this step, consider the following points:

Duration and Details of Symptoms:You don't mention how long you have been experiencing problems, and what they are. Sometimes, it takes time to diagnose an illness accurately. Doctor’s Advice and Plan: Follow your doctor's advice and understand their plan. Sometimes they will try treatment A and if it works, great. If not, it may eliminate diagnosis A and move to diagnosis B and treatment B. Ask your doctor what their plan is. Record Symptoms and Reactions: Pay attention to any symptoms or reactions to treatment. Write them down if you think you won't remember, as these can be important clues for your doctor. Seeking Specialists or Different Doctors: If you have tried the initial treatment and it hasn't resolved your condition, seeing a specialist or even a different doctor might be the way to go. If you are generally happy with your doctor, it's perfectly fine to seek a second opinion and get more input. If you are not happy with your doctor, changing providers is an option.

Why Follow-Up Is Important

Diagnosing illness isn't easy. Without knowing your symptoms, blood work, scans, or what your doctor has done so far, it is impossible to know what specialists you might need to see. Many illnesses manifest symptoms slowly and it can take time to watch and know what is going on.

Additional Options

There are additional steps you can take to ensure a proper diagnosis and effective treatment:

Medical School Departments

Local Medical School Departments: I recommend making an appointment with the appropriate department at your local medical school. If you don’t have one nearby, find the closest one and travel there. The physicians at the medical schools are used to complicated, difficult-to-diagnose cases. It’s what I have done over the years when I needed help with my patients, and nine out of ten times they have come through.

By exploring these options, you can ensure that you receive the best care possible, even if your initial doctor cannot diagnose your condition.