When a patient comes to me with complicated symptoms, I typically order a series of tests to arrive at a diagnosis. But what happens if those tests all come back normal?
There are conditions that can’t be identified by CAT scans, blood tests or ultrasounds. And sometimes testing only adds to a patient’s anxiety and makes them feel worse.
So, how do you decide when testing is necessary and when it isn’t?
On this inaugural episode of Tell Me More, I sit down with my pediatrician husband, Christopher, to discuss how his approach to testing differs from mine and why testing children often does more harm than good.
We explain why American doctors tend to over-rely on tests, and I share a case study of a patient whose tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed with a CAT scan, ultrasound or lab work.
Listen in to understand how poor communication leads to patient mistrust and learn how to diagnose patients and communicate clearly—without over-relying on tests.
Key Takeaways How my pediatrician husband Christopher’s testing philosophy differs from mine
The question Christopher asks before ordering a test for a patient
Why doctors in India look down on American physicians for our overreliance on tests
How my patient with tubal ligation post ablation syndrome couldn’t be diagnosed through testing
Why testing in children often does more harm than good
An example of a young leukemia patient who could have been diagnosed sooner with lab work
Why doctors tend to write off patients when their tests come back normal
How power of suggestion makes us believe a problem is much worse
How a doctor’s inability to communicate leads to patient frustration and mistrust
The power in showing confidence and humility in communication with patients
Connect with Dr. Meyer Dr. Meyer’s Website
Email: christine@christinemeyermd.com
Resources Atul Gawande
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!