Dr. Steven Brown: Three Ways to Recognize the Best Doctors
Doctors are just like any other group of people. Some are good, some are bad, and some are mediocre. How can you be sure you are getting one of the good ones? Rate your doctor in these three areas and see how he stacks up
1. Thoroughness
The best doctors want to get your whole story. The first time she sees you, she (or her staff) should get your whole medical history, not just the
details of the problem that brought you in that day. Since the parts of our bodies are all connected, problems in one part often relate to another part, even if the connection is not obvious to the layperson.
2. Communication
Does the doctor take time to listen to your story? Does he take time to explain the problem and answer your questions? Do you have to sit in front of the door to keep him from leaving? Doctors today are under considerable pressure. Costs of practice are rising, and payments from insurance companies are falling. Since doctors are paid based on how many patients they see, the only way to maintain their income is to see more patients in less time. If the doctor takes the time you need, that shows that he has decided to make less money in order to take better care of you. That is the kind of doctor you want.
3. Knowledge
Does your doctor know what she is talking about? When you ask why she is recommending one treatment over another, does her answer reflect knowledge of the medical literature? Is she threatened by questions, or does she welcome them? By the way, it is a good sign, not a bad one, if the doctor tells you she needs to look something up. That shows that she is humble enough and careful enough to check for the latest facts.
Comments
One thing I have noticed is that doctors appreciate an informed patient. Not the know-it-all type, but someone who has done some basic research of their condition, someone who knows the fundamentals of their own body (nutrition, exercise, what's good/bad for us, where our organs are located!) and who is assertive without being aggressive.
Now that I am more mature and have small children of my own, I find that an informed patient/parent who is willing to team up with her doctor for the best care possible, leads to both patient and doctor being more satisfied with our health care in general.
Like you said, warning bells always go off for me when doctors refuse to discuss certain issues (eg; the mere mention of autism/vaccination concerns) and I veer towards doctors who will give me at least a minute or two to voice my concerns without making me feel hysterical or paranoid.
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