by Artisttia Yarns

Created on: July 14, 2009

Most doctors will interrupt patients, who are giving a description of their symptoms, within 12 seconds; they will decide on patients' diagnosis in 20 seconds. These are the facts that Dr Jerome Groopman revealed, after he became a patient. No wonder self diagnosis is on the rise.

Most of the time, the doctors' diagnosis is correct. It has to be. Our lives depend on their astute eye, during emergency situations. In the doctor's office, in those first crucial moments their concentration isn't always as focused. If the doctor has a seriously ill patient in the hospital, he may be distracted.

Will the doctor be able to give an accurate diagnosis; or will the doctor be providing guesstimate, if he hasn't heard what you had to say? Unless you already have a good idea what is wrong with you, such as a simple upper respiratory infection, how will you know if the doctor is treating you correctly?

Asking reasonable well researched questions about your health will cause the doctor to pause. This will make the doctor to pause in his thinking process; it will allow other possibilities for your discomfort or illness to be brought to the forefront of his mind.

Use the wealth of information available in books, websites, and cellular phones to research your condition. It will allow you to make reasonable rationale decisions about your health. On iPhones and reputable websites, users can type in their health information into an assessment format and receive remedies for what ails them.

These applications assist people in understanding common illnesses, which can be safely treated at home, as well as when to call a doctor. In some cases, the applications tell how to prevent re occurrences of the medical problem. To discern which websites are safe to use, read the disclaimer. The applications state something to the effect that, the data used to create these systems has been based on medically reviewed, evidence-based, and accredited health information; this application does not take the place of a medical doctor.

For the minor medical problems, such as sprains, strains, colds, constipation, there is usually a self diagnosis you can make by paying attention to your body and following the instructions you discover when researching your condition. For example, if you are constipated, then eat a bran muffin. If you have insomnia, research ways to adjust your lifestyle accordingly; if it doesn't work seek medical help.

There are simple over-the-counter test to take if you think you have yeast or urinary tract infections. Although you can diagnosis these at home, you will still need a physician to call in a prescription for you. Key to safe self diagnosis of medical conditions at home is a good working relationship with your health care provider. They can provide a safety net for you when you need to call to make certain you are taking care of yourself appropriately. This will help to avoid unnecessary trips to the doctors' office. Your wallet will thank you for it; so will your health care provider.

(Disclaimer-This article does not suggest avoidance of hospitals or physicians. If you have questions or concerns related to your health, or if your condition is not improving, contact your medical provider.)

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