The Cost of Blind Trust

These days, we’ve become somewhat desensitized to alarming headlines, but here’s one that truly deserves our attention: Medical errors rank as the third leading cause of death in the United States, claiming over 250,000 lives annually.

Recently, one of our nutritionists encountered a client whose doctor, in her view, focused excessively on a minor issue from recent labs while overlooking a much more serious concern. Our nutritionist felt frustrated—for our client, who continues to dedicate significant energy to potentially unnecessary dietary restrictions, and because of the somewhat regular lack of awareness exhibited by professionals we rely on for crucial health decisions.

Reflecting on her own experiences, our nutritionist recalled a time when she broke her hand and underwent weekly physical therapy, accompanied by frequent X-rays. Upon questioning the necessity of these procedures, she discovered that they were indeed excessive. Had she not spoken up, she would have endured unnecessary radiation exposure and incurred additional costs.

This scenario is not uncommon; many of our colleagues have encountered similar situations. Intrigued, we delved into the tangible and intangible costs of blindly trusting our medical care provider. An article from Newsday resonated with us, emphasizing the importance of asking questions such as:

• What are the implications of the test results?
• What are the associated costs, and will insurance cover them?
• Is the proposed treatment truly necessary?
• Are there less invasive or conservative alternatives available?

The article aptly reminds us that we are essentially hiring our doctors to work for us, and we should not hesitate to question their decisions and get a second, or third, opinion. Don’t let your medical provider bully you into a treatment or course of action you’re simply not comfortable with. Conducting your own research and returning to your doctor armed with knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. Seeking a second opinion is also a prudent step in many cases.

Advocating for yourself is paramount to safeguarding your well-being. At Cambiati Wellness Programs, we always want you to feel heard and acknowledged. And if we don’t have the answer to a question or condition, we’ll be upfront with you, and point you in the right direction.

Want to schedule a consultation to see if we can support you in your health needs? Call or text us to get that set up: 925-280-4442.