Medical treatment is care provided by a physician or other health professional to help diagnose and cure disease, injury or congenital malfunction (birth defects). Medical treatments can include surgical procedures as well as non-surgical therapies. Modern health care systems in developed countries often provide free or heavily subsidized medical treatment to all citizens through public or private insurance. In addition, many highly skilled health professionals besides doctors and nurses are involved in the delivery of modern health care such as emergency medical technicians and paramedics, laboratory scientists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, bioengineers, dieticians, radiologists, medical physicists and surgeons.
Modern health science has made many amazing advances – vaccines and antibiotics to prevent infection, cataract surgery and joint replacements to treat pain, arthritis and other conditions; new drugs to control heart disease, diabetes and cancer. However, the success of these advances encourages doctors to’medicalize’ more and more people who may not be sick at all. ‘To a man with a hammer, all the world looks like a nail,’ as the saying goes. It is important to weigh up the benefits and risks of a medical treatment option before you make a decision.
It is also important to consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing a practitioner. You might be more comfortable with a practitioner who speaks your language or who is of the same gender. However, this should not influence your decision unless it makes it harder to communicate respectfully with your healthcare professional.
The cost of your treatment is another factor to consider, as is the proximity to where you live. Your health insurance provider will negotiate rates with providers in your network so that you pay less.
Your doctor will advise you of your options and explain the pros and cons of each. It is your right to be fully informed so you can choose the treatment that is best for you.
It is important to consider your ethical and moral responsibilities when making decisions about medical treatment. The principles of beneficence – acting in the interests of the patient and avoiding harm – and nonmaleficence are key ethical considerations. You should also be aware of your rights as a patient, such as the right to choose your own surrogate and to request access to your medical records. If you are unsure of your rights, speak with a legal professional. A good starting point is the American Medical Association’s Guide to a Patient’s Rights. This document is available in English, Spanish and other languages on their website. It is a valuable resource for all patients and their families. It includes a glossary of terms and a chart of the rights of patients and their families. It is recommended that you print a copy of this document to bring with you when visiting your healthcare professional. This document can be found at: http://www.ama-assn.org/downloads/pdfs/guidelines/guidetopatientrights.pdf. This is a very thorough and concise document that all patients should read before beginning any medical treatment.