Why cant we just talk with our doctors, and ask more questions? Wouldnt that prevent errors before they occur?
You cant talk anybody, even a doctor, out of making cognitive errors, such as leaping to conclusions or wishful thinking. You cant watch over a senior doctors shoulder to make sure the student doctors report is read critically before it gets into your chart. You cant persuade doctors to think logically and to write without ambiguity. You cant insist beforehand that they produce a data report (such as an x-ray reading) that fulfills the Guidelines of their professional association. You cant assign yourself to the most appropriate specialist. It may well be a matter of luck — whos on call the day youre admitted or evaluated, and who is covered by your Health Plan Network.
