Business of Life

What's an acceptable risk?

If the old "father knows best" model for doctors doesn't work, neither does the neutral model of only the facts and it's your decision.

What's an acceptable risk? How do you decide for yourself, for others?

"People hate the risk of bringing bad things on themselves," Dr. Ubel said, "but a sense of responsibility makes them overcome these instincts to think about what's best for others."

How the doctor frames the question makes a big difference.

"Physicians who place emphasis on informed consent have mistakenly come to see this as a process in which they play only a neutral role," Dr. Appelbaum said, "and not the role of someone who gives advice as well. Yet patients who value the information often value the advice, too, and that seems to me a very proper role for a physician to play."

It only makes sense that we rely on our doctors for information and advice. Giving us only information about risks and telling us to decide for ourselves is a cop-out.

If your doctor doesn't tell you what he or she thinks is their best advice, given the facts, look for another one.