I think that is so true. A lot of tests with "numerical values", like lab tests, are based on statistical averages for what is "normal", but there are always people who fall outside of the 'norm". "Old school" docs say you always have to listen to the patient, not just rely on the test results. I think now often docs rely too much on the tests and numbers.. for example, maybe your colon or stomach emptying isn't "slow" per the official numbers, but maybe it's slow (or fast) enough to be causing trouble for you as an individual if you have symptoms related to that. So you treat the symptoms.