You are talking with someone who has a condition similar to yours and they mention your medical provider. Turns out they really don’t like them and infer that they are the next best thing to a quack. It makes you start wondering if in fact this is the right provider for you.
Keep in mind that as much as we want to believe medicine is a science that operates logically and consistently, it doesn’t. After all we’re humans and errors are part of the package.
Patient and provider don’t always mesh well and it can be simply a matter of recognizing it. For some people they view their doctor like a mechanic-they're there to do a repair and don’t care about much else as long as they are competent and provide good care. Others find bedside manner to be critical. Regardless, these are:
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING IF YOUR DOC IS RIGHT FOR YOU
• Does your provider’s manner of interacting work for you? Do they respect boundaries? Take your concerns seriously? Are they patronizing or condescending? Do they pass judgement on your lifestyle and/or offer advise that you feel is too personal? Avoid eye contact by focusing on the computer screen and not you-do they attentively listen when you speak? Seem distracted? Don’t like it when you ask too many questions? Don’t return your calls? Has a plan before listening to you or performing an exam? Too aggressive? Don’t care for their personality?
Think of your provider as your coach, not your friend. If you are finding yourself answering negatively to many of the questions, that could be an indication you need to consider another provider. Being able to have an honest, open and supportive relationship with your provider is an important component of the care you receive.
• Is your provider on time? If they are consistently late, and/or speed diagnose, these could be problematic signs.
• Are you getting test results in a timely and clear manner? Some people want all test results mailed, e-mailed or available at a website. Others prefer to talk to their provider and still others prefer a combination of the two.
• Do your friends have legitimate concerns about your providers behavior? If you have a question about your provider’s record, check your state’s medical board.
• Has your provider missed diagnosed you in the past? Has this happened to others with similar conditions? Are the answers to your questions rarely helpful? Has your health improved under their care? The latter question is key.
If you aren’t improving under their care, particularly if they’ve missed a diagnosis, you may want to consider another option. That noted, be clear that you aren’t asking your provider to deal with a health issue that’s not in their area of expertise.
• Are they staying current? Are they board certified? Certifications indicate the expertise areas of a doctor which is very important for you to know.
• Are they willing to consider complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)? Medicine is moving in a direction that combines integrative medicine (lifestyle habits of a patient with an emphasis on treating the whole patient not just the disease) and functional medicine (employs a systems-oriented medical approach that works to identify and understand the underlying or root causes of a disease). A provider who isn’t willing to look at some of the proven CAM approaches isn’t staying current.
• Are you comfortable with your provider’s staff? Do they provide accurate information, follow up with appointments and referrals as requested?
• Does your provider over prescribe medications? Do they try to sell you things like vitamins, skin care or dietary products?
• Do they consider your financial situation in making treatment/testing plans?
After going through the above list you may decide there might be an issue here and there, but overall, you have confidence in your provider. No need to convince others of your choice as their experiences could be very different from yours. However, if you do decided to make a change:
HOW TO FIND A NEW DOCTOR
• If your health insurance requires that you use a provider “in-network,” the list of options are generally included on the insurance company’s website under “provider finder.” Insurance cards should include an 800 number on the back if you prefer to call for this information.
Many of the provider finders will include location, so you can select someone closer to your home or office. Other things you will want to consider include:
- They are taking new patients
- Offers telemedicine
- Cancellation policy you agree with
- Able to get a convenient appointment in a timely manner
- Lab and x-ray are done at the office or at a nearby location
- There is a doctor or nurse who speaks your preferred language
• Determine if you need a specialist or a family practice/primary care provider.
• Ask members of support groups, family, friends, other people with your condition, for a referral. If you need a specialist, ask your primary care provider for a referral. A pharmacist, dentist or other health provider may have a recommendation. If you are moving, ask your current provider for a referral.
• After your first appointment, evaluate whether this is the right fit for you.
OTHER RESOURCES
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