When Doctors Don't Listen: How to Avoid Misdiagnoses and Unnecessary Tests

In this examination of the doctor-patient relationship, Drs. Wen and Kosowsky argue that diagnosis, once the cornerstone of medicine, is fast becoming a lost art, with grave consequences. Using real-life stories of cookbook-diagnoses-gone-bad, the doctors illustrate how active patient participation can prevent these mistakes. Wen and Kosowsky offer tangible follow-up questions patients can easily incorporate into every doctor’s visit to avoid counterproductive and even potentially harmful tests. In the pursuit for the best medical care available, readers can’t afford to miss out on these inside-tips and more:

• How to deal with a doctor who seems too busy to listen to you
• 8-Pillars to a Better Diagnosis
• How to tell the whole story of your illness
• Learning test risks and evaluating whether they’re worth it
• How to get a working diagnosis at the end of every doctor's visit

By empowering patients to engage with their doctors as partners in their diagnosis, this essential guide enables patients to speak up and take back control of their health care.