If you’re worried about your doctor making a serious mistake, it’s time to be proactive. Find a doctor that you trust. Limit your own risk by taking the initiative.
Below are a few signs that it may be time to look for a new medical professional, whether you need serious treatment or simple yearly checkups.
- Your personalities just don’t click. You want someone inviting and thoughtful who you can talk to, for instance, but your doctor is always in a rush and wants to give you commands, rather than asking questions.
- You don’t get enough information. You know that a lab test was ordered, for example, but not why it was ordered.
- The doctor rushes through everything. You know those in the medical profession tend to be busy, but you deserve a high level of care.
- Unprofessional behavior abounds in the office. You can never get in touch with the support staff, you leave messages for your doctor that never get through and they make mistakes like misplacing records or test results.
- Your doctor will never really listen to what you have to say. Everything feels one-sided, as he or she makes your choices for you.
- You’re concerned about the doctor’s competence. For example, maybe he or she has made small mistakes already. It’s nothing big, but you’re worried that the next error will be serious.
It may already be too late. Has your doctor made a mistake — like an incorrect diagnosis — that caused you harm? If so, be sure you know all of the potential legal options you have to seek out financial compensation.
Source: US News, “9 Signs You Should Fire Your Doctor," Angela Haupt, Oct. 13, 2017
