[trapezoidion]

I think everyone should avoid interacting with doctors unless it's absolutely necessary (in the US). They have to diagnose hundreds or thousands of patients, and it's unreasonable to expect them to care or deliberate about your specific needs. They are running or working under a business, and are incentivized to minimize patient time and maximize billing. Even a phone call to their office can be converted into an insurance claims if you're asking them to correct a mistake, which I found out when I looked at my health insurance online. This also means that you should always be skeptical if doctor recommends a certain procedure, especially if he's involved. You have to assume he's acting in his or his employer's best interest under our current model of health care.

[jrochkind1]

How could I know if it's "absolutely necessary" without being a medical professional or consulting one?

What a terrible system we've got.