Patients who seek other health care services after seeing their own doctors are said to be "doctor shopping." Some are looking for a "quick fix" or "miracle cure." Others may be trying to get more drugs.

Research shows this type of patient is more likely to end up having surgery even though other doctors advise against it.

There's also a certain group of patients looking for a financial payback. They hope to get a cash settlement. Some studies show "doctor-shopping patients" have a chronic illness. They seem unable or unwilling to accept what the doctor tells them. The reasons for this are unclear and may differ from patient to patient.