The right doctor is crucial to keeping you and your family healthy. So when you don’t think you’re getting the best treatment from yours, it might be time to look elsewhere for your healthcare needs.
Here are some signs it’s time to look for a new doctor.
They’ve been accused of medical malpractice
If your doctor has been accused of medical negligence by another patient, it’s probably time to start looking elsewhere for treatment. Not receiving the proper treatment and care is a risk you can’t take – especially when it comes to your kids.
They don’t listen
When you try to share your concerns about your health, your doctor should take the time to listen and really understand what you’re worried about. When they’re more interested in staring at their computer screen or talking over you with what they think is wrong before fully understanding your worries, you should probably start to re-examine your relationship with this physician.
They overrule you
Although your doctor is the expert, you’re perfectly capable of your own research and finding out what sort of treatments might be best for you. If your doctor doesn’t listen to you and totally overrules what you’ve suggested, you might not be dealing with the best healthcare professional for you. You’re entitled to have your opinions considered. If your doctor doesn’t think your suggestion is the best course of action for you, they should clearly explain why and let you know what the right alternative is and why.
They rely on medication
Rather than suggesting any alternative therapies – such as counseling or physiotherapy, depending on your ailment – your physician might just reach for their prescription pad. Rather than addressing the cause of your concern, painkillers and medication can just mask it in certain situations. So don’t stick with a doctor who’s too willing to write a script for anything and everything.
They don’t refer you
When you present with a serious problem and it’s beyond your family doctor’s capabilities as a generalist, the right thing to do is refer you to a specialist, like a surgeon or cardiologist. But if they’d prefer to hold onto you, rather than sending you to the person who could really help you, it’s definitely a sign that you should start looking for recommendations for a new doctor.
They forget you
Physicians are busy – we get that. But if they haven’t bothered to check your notes before your appointment and they have no idea who you are, that’s a worrying sign. They should have an awareness of what they’ve previously seen you for and whether your complaints could all be linked to an underlying cause. Don’t put up with a doctor who thinks they’re meeting you for the first time at every appointment.
They’re arrogant
An arrogant doctor is a very difficult one to deal with. They’ll likely think that their opinion is the only correct one and that they don’t have to listen to any of your suggestions. They might be rude and condescending. They might talk down to you as if you can’t understand the terms they’re using. They might make you feel like you’re wasting their time. If this is the case, they are definitely not the doctor you want to keep seeing.
You deserve a doctor who has your best interests in mind, so if you’re not happy with the treatment of your current physician, get online and start looking for new doctors in your area.