What difference might exist between a health care need as perceived by an individual & by a med. profesional?

Answer 1

A diligent medical professional such as your PCP ( Primary Care Physician ) would consider the total needs of the patient. He would do a complete assessment and evaluation. If needed, he would order the necessary bloodwork and laboratory tests and x-rays to get to the root of the problem before he makes a proper diagnosis. He might refer you to other specialists for further investigation. He would not just order medications as a quick-fix or a band-aid solution to the problem. Kaiser Permanente is known to establish prevention programs to hold down the medical costs. Public health is also taken into consideration. Sometimes, some medical professionals tend to prescribe medications excessibly. Mental health promotion; prevention, treatment and care.


Whereas the individual might just want a prompt solution to his problem for example immediate administration of medications for relief of his pain. The patient wants a cure whereas the doctor might just be making a living; trying to get rich and playing God.

Answer 2

Here is a rather blatant example that I see often.
A person comes in and wants something to help them poop.
They see the need to poop.
They are taking a medication for a serious medical problem which causes constipation.
The medical professional sees the need to keep this patient on the medication AND control the constipation because otherwise the patient will go off the med so they can go to the bathroom.
So the percieved medical need is to control side effects through diet modification (i.e. increase fiber and fluid intake)