[LEAKYSEALS951]

This thread got me thinking about another question for the MD's out there.

What is the standard of care in regards to informing/ treating obesity?

I understand that people get offended easily, and become dismissive or defensive when the subject is brought up. We had two families recently get upset and leave the practice for informing the parents their kids had lice.

In dentistry, we are liable for informing patients of other diseases even if they are in for another chief complaint (for example- a patient comes in for limited oral exams addressing broken fillings here or there, and the dentist does not inform the patient they have periodontitis, the dentist can be held liable for failure to diagnose).

What is the protocol in Medicine? And would creating a more supportive environment help the medical profession drive it home? For example- recent crackdown on narcotic prescribing allows me to tell patients "Sorry, I would love to give you more pain meds, but the laws are really cutting down on what we can prescribe." With that support, I can play the part of empathetic messenger, not the bad guy.

Are there similar opportunities in the area?