Needing A Second Opinion?

- Dr Sarah Jarvis

As doctors, we’d all like to believe every patient leaves our consulting room happy – but of course they don’t. Perhaps you aren’t happy with the advice given; perhaps your doctor refused the medication, investigation or referral you wanted. So what can you do?

First, it’s well worth telling your GP about your concerns. GPs aren’t mind readers, and may not be aware you’re unhappy. GPs in training spend a lot of time learning about the importance of teasing out the patient’s concerns and health beliefs. But in a busy surgery, they may make assumptions. If the last six patients with a cough have all been hoping for antibiotics, they may jump to the conclusion that’s what you want, too. If your real concern is that your sister had lung cancer and you think you have the same thing, they need to know. They may be able to explain why they believe you have nothing to worry about.