There is often a fine line between diagnosing and what is in our
scope of practice.  We do often see a combination of symptoms that
makes us strongly suspect a particular medical diagnosis.  We are
often in a position to better identify the cause of a problem than
the doc is.  However, when it comes to a medical label, that is out
of our scope (except for those LCs who have other credentials that
gives them this authority-however they are not acting as an LC when
they diagnose).  Some docs have no problem with whatever language we
use to convey our findings while others are very defensive of their
"area of juristiction".
There is definitely language we can use.  I frequently will say
something like "What I see is consistent with....." or "I see
similar symotoms in moms (babies) who have....." or, "Many times
when moms report.....or I see....the cause is............."  I will
definitely tell a mom, "I can't diagnose, only your doctor can do
that, but I would suggest you ask if it might be...." or, "I will
pass my observations along to your doctor and ask if he/she thinks
it might be....."

Winnie

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