What would you do if you were suffering from a mystery illness and no matter how many doctors you saw, no one could tell you what was wrong? This is the challenge many patients with rare diseases face.
In fact, a recent survey conducted on behalf of Global Genes found that rare disease patients see an average of 7.3 physicians before receiving an accurate diagnosis. This is a long and difficult process that can take years, resulting in frustration and a negative impact on patient health. The good news is, doctors are becoming more aware that they need better information, and they are open to being educated about the world of rare diseases. This boost in knowledge should help doctors refer patients to specialists faster and more accurately.
To learn more about rare diseases, visit www.globalgenes.org.
