[Midori2013]

Just curious.


I had an EMG/NCV test today.


The technician said he didn't see anything abnormal.


My doctor will review it this week and I have a follow up next week.


My question is, could a technician see nothing but the doctor can? Does this happen??

I've had so many mystery things wrong over the years I feel just lost that it eill be one more thing they will tell me they don't know the answer to.


Thanks

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Midori2013

My question is, could a technician see nothing but the doctor can? Does this happen??

It can, and does, but so does the converse -- technicians catching something a doctor misses. It boils down to human factors, e.g. training, experience, attention/distractions, fatigue, mood, and more. However, protocol dictates that doctors' opinions usually outrank/trump those of technicians, regardless of expertise/experience, and/or who may be correct.

But let's not put the cart before the horse. DX may be based on more than just this one test, and your doctor hasn't reviewed it yet. Make a list of your questions for your follow-up.

"I don't know." (IDK) is a frustrating & possibly frightening answer to a patient, but medicine often doesn't know as much as we think it should. IDK is better (more honest) than a wrong DX based on arrogance/ego or whatever.

I once had a colonoscopy after a bout of bleeding. The technician's report came back saying he (the tech.) had doubts that it was Crohn's Disease, but the doctor ignored/overrode the technician, DX'd me as having Crohn's, and the resulting treatments made me much worse, caused excruciating pain, and nearly cost me 1/3 of my bowel. The doctor eventually capitulated (no apology -- just handed me a pamphlet on IBS with his chin literally on his chest -- couldn't look me in the eye) and sent me on my merry....

This is one good reason for second opinions. It's up to you, but you have the option of having the results reviewed/interpreted again by another expert, or having the whole test redone (though your insurance may not cover a second test without medical justification).

Doc

PS If you have the results/report and can post it here, someone may have some input on questions/concerns to bring to your doctor.