Dreading your next physical?
Then it’s time to take a good, hard look at your relationship with your doctor.
“Doctors are peoplewere human, so just don’t be afraid to connect with us as human beings.
Jocelyn Runice
Explain your values and desires around medical care.
If you could’t work well together, maybe its not a good match.”
Here are nine red flags that indicate you might need to move on.
The 10 Mistakes Every Patient Makes & How To Fix Them To Get The Care You Deserve.
If you try this approach and still can’t get the clear answers you need, go elsewhere.
You know your body bestpointing that out shouldn’t be an inconvenience or insult to your doctor.
Insist on a thorough exam, labs and scans.
Thats no reason to ditch your doc.
Also, know this: A pill-happy doctor may be swayed by drug company representatives.
Oftentimes this practice is legal, but it is far from ethical.
And why would you risk being overmedicated to benefit your doctor’s bottom line?
What’s the overall practice vibe?
Is the staff rude or disorganized?
Is your wait to see the doctor consistently longer than 45 minutes past your scheduled appointment time?
Do you hear patients at the service window complaining about things like missing or delayedtest results?
Do you see dusty surfaces, stained rugs, and heavily handled old magazines?
This means germs aplenty.
Also, is the bathroom littered with yet-to-be-processed urine samples (SO gross, but it happens)?
Anything less than a spotless, bacteria-free environment is completely unacceptable.
That goes for the exam room, too.
Ask the practice manager, “How exactly do you clean the office every day?
And the hand washing is a deal breakerit either happens, or you’re out of there.
In some cases, an independent patient advocateone who does not work for the hospital or insurercan help.
Independent advocates can be found atwww.AdvoConnection.com.
Why an independent, private advocate?
Don’t hesitate to get legal advice to ultimately help you make the right decisions.
And know this: most doctors have their patients' best interests at heart.
The right physician is out there, to provide you with excellent care AND peace of mind.
Related:3 Apps That Can Help You Find A New Doctor
