
Want to see the full video?
LoginShould the VA prescribe me medications for an undiagnosed condition?
No. Diagnosis and prescription are two different things. Diagnosis is the process by which a doctor or other healthcare provider identifies the cause of an illness, injury, symptom, or condition. It involves taking into consideration symptoms and medical history in order to determine what might be causing the issue. Prescription, on the other hand, is when a doctor authorizes and orders a specific type of treatment for someone based on their diagnosis. This can include medications, physical therapy exercises, lifestyle changes (such as diet), or any other therapeutic measures that may help manage the condition. While diagnosis helps physicians identify the root cause of an issue, prescription gives them the means to treat it properly.