It begs the question: what if Glen’s doctor opposes his decision?

I expect disagreement will be more common as patients take more active roles in healthcare decision making. If you and your doctor disagree over your choice of treatments, these guidelines may help you.

After studying your possible treatment options, return to your doctor. Ask her to re-explain her recommendation, along with pros and cons. Even though you’ve heard them before, listen carefully to make sure you understand all the important points.

Then ask your doctor to listen to your reasons for making the choice you did. Show her the pros and cons lists described in my last column. If she interrupts you, politely ask her to hear you out just as you listened to her, so your discussion can be more collaborative.

If your doctor continues to disagree with your choice, ask her to explain her objections. Maybe you chose an alternative therapy she knows too little about. Perhaps you prefer no treatment at all, and she believes you’ve given up. She may know others who have tried your treatment choice and have suffered difficult side effects.

There may even be objections she won’t mention. For example, some doctors make recommendations based on how they make money.

Do your best to assess her demeanor as she describes her reasons.

Based on this more comprehensive discussion, you may change your mind, or you may choose to stand your ground.

If you and your doctor continue to disagree, your doctor may decide to dismiss you as her patient. That’s her prerogative. Or you may decide you want to find a more collaborative provider. That’s your choice to make.

Remember, it’s your body, your right and your responsibility to make the decision that works best for you, whether or not your doctor agrees. At the end of the day, your doctor goes home healthy, regardless of your choice. At the end of the same day, making the decision that works best for you will give you the confidence required to regain your health.