Health awareness makes doctor shopping popular

With increasing awareness about health issues and easy access to the Internet, a vast number of people are now opting for ‘doctor shopping’. The latest trend is about people consulting a doctor and verifying the information on the Internet before asking questions to another doctor. Contrary to seeking a ‘second opinion’, doctor shopping is about being under the care of several doctors at the same time.

In the past, the general physician (GP) provided basic medical services at a nominal fee. The clinics were based out of residential colonies and provided treatment for broken bones to delivering babies. People did not consult a specialist unless advised by the GP.

“That era has gone. Now, when doctors suggest a specialist, patients resort to doctor shopping,” said Dr Anil Pachnekar, president of the Indian Medical Association (Maharashtra) and someone who has been working as a family physician in Sion for 27 years. Dr Pachnekar said nowadays, patients sometimes visit another doctor for a second opinion.

Rahul Ugale, a resident of Goregaon, said: “People are more aware about the medical fraternity today and so, they choose the best option. Also, it is an open secret that the GPs get a cut from the specialists they refer.”

Certain doctors are well qualified in certain areas, so what’s the harm in taking two-three opinions? Doctor shopping helps in getting the best treatment.”

It is a patient’s right to take different opinions, says Dr Kailash Sharma, director, academics, Tata memorial hospital. “Doctor shopping is useful at times, but also creates problems. It usually happens when people suffer from diseases such as cancer or cardiac and kidney-related problems. Relatives look for different alternatives in such cases,” said Dr Sharma, who is also a member of the Medical Council of India.

He said they may recommend surgery to a patient after undergoing chemotherapy. “However, the patient may go to another hospital and undergo surgery. It is the patient’s call,” Dr Sharma said.

Senior bariatric surgeon Dr Sanjay Borude of Breach Candy hospital says he sees a lot of patients who keep themselves informed by reading on the Internet. “Earlier, we would explain the procedures to the patients and their family. They would be told about the precautions they need to take. But now, they consult another doctor and then return to us. If asked where they were, we get a common excuse of ‘family problem’. But we know they do doctor shopping. The patients ask several questions during consultation and take up a lot of our time,” he said.