The new year has begun and it's time to take stock in your health and wellness. A good place to start is with your health care practitioner(s). Are you happy with the care you are receiving? Are you able to really talk with your doctor(s) about your concerns? Your health is important to you and it should be just as important to your doctor. While it may be convenient to stay with your doctor because of location or the fact that you have been with him/her for a number of years, there are also other factors to consider. It may be difficult to part ways but here are some suggestions from Forbes magazine on when to call it quits.
- You have lost confidence in your doctor.
- If you have doubts about his/her competence, it's definitely time to part ways. Find someone with whom you can trust to consider your best interest when making medical decisions.
- Your doctor isn't on staff at a hospital.
- Do you even know if your doctor has hospital privileges? It's time to find out. You need to know that in a medical crisis, you will have someone available to direct your care...someone who knows your medical history and someone you trust.
- Your doctor isn't board certified in his/her specialty/field.
- This should be one of the first areas to investigate when selecting a new physician. It's also wise to check with your state's medical licensing board to ensure he/she has a good record. Also, board certification typically requires continuing education for recertification. This way, your physician can remain "up-to-speed" on current procedures.
- Your doctor doesn't value your input.
- Health care is a two-way street. You should have input on all medical decisions and should have all of your questions answered during your appointment. If you are left with the feeling of uncertainty, it's time to speak up. If your physician isn't meeting your needs, it's time to fire him/her. Remember, he/she works for you!!
- You are kept in the dark about your prescriptions.
- Do you question "why" he/she is writing a prescription? Do you know what the side effects are? Do you know if there are any non-prescription alternatives? Do you know if there are less expensive versions? These questions should all be asked AND answered any time your doctor pulls out the prescription pad.
- Your doctor doesn't coordinate well with other physicians.
- If you suffer from chronic illness that require different specialties, you probably are cared for by multiple physicians. If your health insurance requires referrals before you can see a specialty-care physician, you must rely on your primary care physician. He/she should be able to recommend other physicians with whom he/she trusts. Also, your doctor shouldn't be offended if you ask for a second opinion.
- The office is disorganized.
- Are your phone calls returned promptly? Is paperwork completed and submitted to the insurance company correctly? Do you feel like you are "lost in the shuffle" during office visits? The office and medical staff in the office are just as important as the physician.
- There are too many gatekeepers.
- When was the last time you actually saw your physician during an office visit? Do you feel like your primary care provider is the nurse practitioner or physician's assistant? It's time to take a stand!!
- Your doctor is behind the times.
- Is your physician "up" on the latest medical studies? Does he/she provide you with research-based medicine? If you suffer from a chronic illness, is he/she up-to-date on the guidelines for treatment of your illness?
- Your doctor doesn't offer the amenities you need.
- These "amenities" will be different for everyone. Maybe you need a better location or satellite office; perhaps you prefer to schedule appointments and make inquiries on-line rather than by phone. Take into consideration your needs when choosing a physician.
"Never go to a doctor whose office plants have died."
~ Erma Bombeck
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