Medical dynamics – misconceptions & facts
Bigger city; does not mean a better treatment. There was a time when for higher end treatments people used to travel to metros like Mumbai and Delhi. Today; almost every treatment is available in the city. It is not the city which makes the treatment better; it’s the qualified doctors which make the treatment possible. Almost all superspecialists and subspecialists are available in Vadodara now and you don’t need to travel elsewhere for majority of treatments.
Trust your doctors but check for their qualifications and academic credentials. Qualified and well-trained doctors make the treatment better. Lack of integrity is everywhere now days; it is not the profession specific but a doctor with good academic credentials is unlikely to deceive. Before going to any doctor; just check for their qualifications, academic credentials, research work etcetera. It may take just 5 minutes but will give you a fair idea. Just don’t go by big claims and titles. Consult the doctor, observe how he/she examines you, talks to you, and explains to you. If you are not convinced, taking a second opinion is your right. You may even disclose that you want to take a second opinion; a good doctor would never mind.
But, once you have decided to take treatment from a particular doctor, trust him/her completely. Your trust encourages us to do the best for you. We feel more accountable and responsible for your health when you trust us completely. It is my observation that when a patient trusts; outcome is usually good.
Medicine is not like math. It is an incomplete science which is continuously evolving. There may be a difference of opinion at times among doctors. None of them may be wrong in correct context. Body’s response to the treatment is not completely predictable, same treatment for the same illness in different patients may have different response.
Hospital bill and doctor. India’s private healthcare system has outgrown the public healthcare. Corporate hospitals have brought world-class infrastructure but it has a huge cost. They are owned by businessmen and investors, for them return of investment matters. We commonly hear from patients that “we got surgery with Dr XYZ and our bill went up to some lacs rupees”. Let me tell you, hardly 20% or less of your bill amount goes to your treating doctor, rest all goes to the hospital; but still blame goes to the doctor. Some major illnesses may need bigger infrastructure but for others; small and medium scale hospitals are still boon for the developing countries like India which are affordable. It is not the hospital building but a qualified doctor which makes the treatment better.