Getting premium medical services is something all of us hope for. Alas, there will be more than a handful of situations where you won’t appreciate the doctor’s attitude or might think that you weren’t given proper care. Whether it is fatigue, lack of interest, or lack of knowledge, there are numerous reasons why you might not get the right assistance.
In these situations, you can’t allow yourself to be passive. Instead, you need to take reins in your hands and do what’s best for you. In this article, we’ll talk about the fine art of patient/doctor communication and actions you can take to protect your rights and health.
3 Best Ways to React
If you think that the treatment or exams didn’t go well, there are three main things you can do to remedy the situation.
1. Improve Communication
Poor communication is one of the main reasons why patients are dissatisfied with the medical service. Even if they were wrong, and the doctor did a fantastic job, they might have a different option due to miscommunication. Because of that, it’s recommended that you come prepared for your appointment.
Create a long list of all the symptoms you’ve experienced since the start of your ailment. You should also mention all the drugs that you might’ve used and if you visited other doctors. Of course, you should also submit all blood work and other types of tests you’ve done.
Don’t be afraid to contact the doctor directly if you forgot something. You can even send paperwork from labs and other clinics so that your doctor can prepare for the appointment. Always remember that it’s your responsibility to disclose all relevant information.
Lastly, don’t forget to talk about your goals and what you’re prepared to do to get healthy. Some people simply aren’t willing to adhere to doctor’s orders and complain when the treatment doesn’t yield results. If you don’t like the treatment offered, you can also ask for alternative options that might be more suitable for you.
2. Hire a Patient Advocate
Hiring a patient advocate is a great way to protect your rights and learn more about the treatment. These experts are well acquainted with doctors in the area and can recommend a specialist for your particular problem. Patient advocates are vital for all the patients who aren’t confrontational and feel vulnerable.
These professionals work as liaisons between patients and hospitals. If there is any dispute, they can handle it in a proper manner while understanding the limits of the medical process. Patient advocates also know everything there is about the insurance and can help you avoid losing too much money on doctor switching.
3. Get a Second Opinion
If everything else fails, you should definitely get a second opinion. Changing a doctor is especially common in severe cases when you’re worried about your long-term safety. This time around, we suggest you take your time seeking out the right professional. In many cases, patients are disgruntled with their doctor because they didn’t research the available options from the start.
So, when is the best time to change a provider? We suggest you follow your gut. Whether you’re still experiencing symptoms after treatment or you simply saw something that was off, anything can be a valid reason for a switch.
You should also consider your role in all of this. There are situations where patients behave impolitely or aggressively, which is why a doctor might be disinterested in providing proper assistance. However, if you were classy and a doctor still didn’t want to give you any answers, it’s high time that you seek an alternative.
As a paying customer, you always retain the right to refuse treatment or change provider. Furthermore, you can ask for your medical records and any other data that you might’ve left at the clinic. A good practice is to ask for a visit summary and to keep your own files.
Great Tricks for Handling Doctors
Besides improving your communication, there are lots of other things you can do to show the provider you mean business. Keep in mind that many professionals fail cases because they don’t consider your condition to be a serious one. They might also get fooled by the lack of information. That being said, here are a few extra tricks that will ensure better exam results:
- While you should always show respect to your doctor, you should also be firm in your demands
- Be as honest as possible. If you have any doubts about a treatment, vocalize them immediately. That way, a doctor can give you a straight answer on the spot, mentioning all the benefits and drawbacks of a certain approach
- Talk about your past experiences, especially if you went to some other clinic for the same issue. Ask about potential alternatives you’ve heard of and ask about their pros and cons. Keep in mind that doctors will likely shun you away if you suggest holistic, unproven procedures
- Ask everything you want to know during the appointment, and if you forget something, contact the doctor later on. If you’re unsure about something, tell the provider that you’ll think about implementing the treatment. Similarly, you can press the doctor to perform surgery or procedure a bit quicker if it’s realistic
- Working with a doctor is, first and foremost, a partnership. Although you’re paying money and have the right to ask whatever you want, you still need to cooperate with a person for maximum results. That being said, approach the practitioner the same way you would a friend
Conclusion
By following the previously mentioned tricks, you’ll have an easier time finding the best treatment possible. Although you can change practitioners for just about any reason, we suggest you take your time and evaluate their initial work before giving another doctor a chance.
Keep in mind that the issue might also be caused by our poor communication. That being said, you should be as transparent and honest as possible so that the doctor can properly assist you.
