An NT (nuchal translucency) scan and a double marker test are two important tests for pregnant women. The NT scan uses ultrasound to measure the thickness of the fluid at the back of the baby’s neck, which can indicate the risk of certain chromosomal abnormalities like Down Syndrome. The double marker test measures certain hormones in the mother’s blood to further assess the risk.
These tests help doctors identify potential issues early in pregnancy, allowing for informed decisions and appropriate medical care. Getting these tests done gives expecting parents peace of mind and helps ensure the health of both the mother and the baby.
However, one doctor refused to treat a pregnant woman in her 30s because she refused to get an NT scan and a double marker test done after taking advice from her “non-medical” friends. The doctor, Rajesh Parikh is a gynaecologist who has been in this field for 30 years and is based out of Vadodara.
“Just as patients have a right to choose their doctors, doctors have the right to refuse treatment, except in emergencies. I turned away a pregnant patient in her 30s who, ignoring medical advice, refused an NT scan and double marker test (crucial to rule out common chromosomal defects) based on advice from non-medical friends,” he wrote on X.
He further revealed that all his attempts to reason with her were futile, after which he advised her to seek a different doctor for treatment.
“After futile attempts to reason with her, I advised her to seek a doctor who would indulge her misconceptions. As a doctor and especially as an obstetrician, never ever let the patient dictate you the treatment/ management. You’ll be the one facing the consequences in court, not them. Just say a blunt no and ask to seek another caregiver,” he added.
Have a look at his post here:
Just as patients have a right to choose their doctors, doctors have the right to refuse treatment, except in emergencies. I turned away a pregnant patient in her 30s who, ignoring medical advice, refused an NT scan and double marker test (crucial to rule out common chromosomal…
— 𝙍𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙆𝙃 (@imacuriosguy) April 22, 2024
There were a couple of other doctors who shared similar incidents of patients refusing to follow their course of treatments and how dangerous it can be for doctors if the patient undergoes a complication at the last minute. Several others expressed that what the doctor did was right. Have a look at some of the reactions here:
Recently I redused a patient who was booked with me and ignored to get a final biophysical score scan at 39 weeks ,she turned up to me at 41.3 weeks without any scan with intrauterine fetal demise
Despite strict instructions to get scan and get admitted for induction https://t.co/V8PFCTkQ83— Sarika Jain (@Sarikakjain) April 23, 2024
Total cost is ₹3700. Depends on your definition of expensive. Do you know a family having a child with Down’s syndrome? If yes, this cost is negligible, if no, you should be educating yourself.
— 𝙍𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙆𝙃 (@imacuriosguy) April 23, 2024
It’s not. It’s a choice. And when it turns out to be a bad choice, it’s too late.
— 𝙍𝘼𝙅𝙀𝙎𝙃 𝙋𝘼𝙍𝙄𝙆𝙃 (@imacuriosguy) April 23, 2024
Good that “fear” of facing consequences in court is present in doctors!
— Adv. M2 (@mathujis_mathu) April 22, 2024
You were brave to do this.
Suppose the patient refuses this test and gives birth to a Down syndrome child, the clowns in our legal system may hold you responsible.
The financial penalty could easily have bankrupted you.
— The Wolf of College Street (@AdiG1993) April 22, 2024
In today’s age of internet how can people not be aware of Down Syndrome ?Or the benefits of NT scan & Double marker scan ?
There is a case of intrauterine fetal demise in my locality as the patient’s family only wanted normal delivery when emergency C section was required. 🤷🏽♀️🫤
— Vidya (@VidyaG88) April 23, 2024
And kudos to you for refusing treatment.
Else tomorrow you could be held liable in a court of law if they turn against you .
— Vidya (@VidyaG88) April 23, 2024
Diagnosed a pituitary macroadenoma in a patient, which is now completely apoplexic. Referred him to a neurosurgeon who advised immediate surgery.
The patient has now gone to Chennai to do some Panchbhuti procedure (non invasive apparently) at Patanjali.
Well.— Dr.Pyaricetomol💕 (@DrPyaricetomol) April 23, 2024
I agree this should be the norm. Also one should document everything that happens, especially the fact that the particular patient refused any said investigation/treatment or even hospital admission. It’ll help to protect you from any future issues.
— Rahul Radhakrishnan (@witchdrkochi) April 23, 2024
Pregnant women, it’s crucial to prioritize your and your baby’s health by taking the NT scan and double marker tests. These tests offer valuable insights into the well-being of your pregnancy, helping detect potential chromosomal abnormalities and other risks early on.