Arthritis Today reports a recent study in JAMA Network Open which showed a majority of the 4,500 patients studied withheld information from their physician, and the reasons people gave for hiding the truth.

Patients don’t want their doctor to view them as being difficult. “Your health care is a partnership between you and your doctor,” said Susan M. Goodman, MD, rheumatologist at HSS. If you disagree or have questions, speak up. “Your doctor should hear you out and find a treatment plan that meets your goals and needs,” added Dr. Goodman.

Patients also feel they don’t want to take up too much of their doctor’s time. Dr. Goodman cited, “If you can’t have a comprehensive conversation with your doctor, the odds of finding a treatment strategy that you’ll stick with are low.”

This article appeared in the May-June 2019 print issue.