Do You Have the "Right" Doctor?

Even though we didn't go to medical school, we are ultimately responsible for our own healthcare as well as our children's. We have to learn how to advocate for health needs, and that requires asking the right questions. If you are getting ready to choose a physician or you have a physician and you're not happy with him or her, there are some questions or concerns for you to consider and you look for ways to stand up for child in the exam room (or even the waiting room).

• The waiting game - how long do you find yourself waiting in the outer waiting room for your appointment? Does it seem like your appointment time is just a "suggestion"? How does the front office staff respond to inquiries about when you should expect to be seen? Do they voluntarily offer reasons for the delay or do you have to pry it out of them? How about once inside the exam room? Do you find yourself waiting there just as long? By itself, this isn't a reason to change doctors, but if it one of many complaints, you'll want to consider it.
• Appointments - is it difficult for you to get an appointment when you or your child is sick? This is a problem. Many doctors schedule in "sick" appointments so they can squeeze last minute patients in. Don't you hate it when it's Friday and you call and they can't get you or your child in to be seen and you know you have the whole weekend to get through in hopes you can get in on Monday? This shouldn't happen. Consider it a red flag.
• Second Opinions - there are medical issues that require a second opinion. Is your physician discouraging about getting one? If so, find a new doctor!
• Bedside Manner - personality does play a part in patient care. If you don't get along with your doctor; if his manner is too abrupt or makes you uncomfortable, switch. You have to trust this person if you are going to trust his diagnoses and advice.
• Record Keeping - your medical records are just that - YOURS. If a doctor does not permit you to see or have a copy of your records, there's a problem.
• Is the Doctor in? - Do you find that you spend most of your time with the nurse or the nurse practitioner? Does your doctor only show up the last few minutes of the appointment? Remember that you are paying to see the doctor, and not his nurse or physician's assistant. Consider this a red flag as well.
• Can You Hear Me Now? - is your doctor a good listener, or does he barely acknowledge your words or concers? A good doctor is a good listener and respects his patient's words.
• Front Office Staff - are they friendly or rude? The front office staff are the first ones you encounter and often reflect the doctor. Either the doctor is also rude or doesn't care that his staff is rude. He should care.
• Follow Up - does your doctor return your calls or queries or do you find yourself waiting and then always being the one to follow up with him instead? Good doctoring is also about relationship.
• Too Many Prescriptions - sometimes doctors push drugs and/or vitamins on patients when it is not necessary in order to push products the drug companies "encourage" them to push. Often these drugs are more expensive or don't have a generic alternative. If you don't need it, don't fill the prescription and find someone who isn't a pill pusher.
• To Treat You is to Know You - don't expect your doctor to remember everything about you, but he should be familiar enough with your medical history to ask about specific instances. If it feels like a first meeting every time you see him, find someone else.

Only you can decide which issues are hot buttons for you and your family. Each in isolation may be worth persevering through, but three or more in conjunction should make you take pause and reconsider your healthcare provider.