Dammit!

[harm_less]

In the case I cited the specialist is the only one of that type available in our province, as is the case for a number of other medical specialists if there even is one of the variety you require available locally. In such cases a second opinion requires travelling out of province for many NZers usually at significant cost and inconvenience so is it any wonder many are so inclined to move outside of the conventional health sector.

A patient is well placed to know whether their treatment is effective or not; your health complaint is either improving or it's not. You're very much demonstrating that you've never suffered any health issue that isn't just a 'cut and dried' treat and cure situation.

I spent some years in the medical education system in my youth, and gained a good understanding of the knowledge and experience required to become a diagnostician. You have to remember, too, that doctors are human, and can make mistakes.

Especially so in the current climate of income focussed large GP practices and staff deficient public health systems. All the more reason to question the medical services you receive.

And the human body is an incredibly complex organism and very easy to mis-read, especially if the lines of communication between doctor and practitioner are compromised, for whatever reason. Attempt to put 'lipstick on a pig' in respect of the latest new and shiny treatment regime only complicates matters further.