Many people want to change doctors, but don’t. Since the hassle of such a change deters people from seeking out a new doctor, they may stick with a medical professional who fails to provide them with the care they deserve. As tough as it may seem to change doctors, that effort is minimal compared to suffering through medical care that may not be up to your standards, or even medically acceptable standards.
So when is it time to finally call time on your relationship with your doctor? Are there any clues or indicators that you should look for to finally take the step out of your doctor’s office and into a new one? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Your doctor may or may not be on staff at a hospital. If your doctor is, then he or she can be more involved in your care.
- Board certification in specialty areas is not necessarily guaranteed. If your doctor is not board certified, or if your doctor hasn’t been recertified in a while, then your doctor may not be up to date on new techniques.
- Are the referrals that your doctor makes leaving you satisfied? Does your doctor work well and coordinate with these referrals to ensure you are receiving quality care? If the answer to these questions is “no,” it may be time for a new doctor.
- The organization of your doctor’s office is a critical component to your care. If it takes a long time to receive test results, or if it takes a long time to be called back about appointments or other information, then it may be time to start your doctor search.
Source: Forbes, “When to Fire Your Doctor,” Accessed Aug. 6, 2014
