I always ask friend etc. what doctor they go to....I look for a pleasant,honest physician that will speak to you with concern and not be scribbling things on your chart,asking a few questions, write your perscription and starts for the door while you give him your answers.
I am a retired Medical assistant. I worked in the field for 25 years. The
first thing I did when going on an interview was to sit in the waiting room and see how the patients were treated.How long they were made to wait without any explanation from the staff. remember, the receptionist is the first person you deal with and the last one you seeing upon leaving.
like you aren't there.
I could go on and on.....I suggest a recommendation from someone you trust.
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I agree with the above statements, but want to suggested an ADDED reason that it may be harder for us to find a good doctor: that person may not exist (in real life, anyways)!
Sure, we use stricter criteria to find a good doctor, who may one day save our lives, as compared to a the criteria to find "Mr. Right" (or the right partner), the right friend, etc. I think it is important to not settle when trying to find a doctor, but my tongue-in-cheek comparison is not all that far-fetched: we are looking for a type of relationship with this person, and we want it to be a great one!
My only point here is that we review our laundry list of criteria in our search for a doctor, as there is never going to be the perfect doctor who is 100% knowledgeable, friendly, research-oriented, patient-oriented, accessible, inexpensive, experienced, expert in his/her field, etc.
I speak of this, only because I realized I was doing the very thing: I wanted a male pediatrician for my son (when he gets older, I thought it would help his comfort level), who was experienced, professional, friendly, good office hours...I could go on and on. Well, I found most of my criterion in this one doctor, but I almost ruled him out because he is young! I questioned his experience, but he worked at some amazing places and is "fresh" with the latest information. I was surprised when I found myself thinking this, because as a young professional myself, I know how it feels to be excluded only because age, when all other factors are equal (called ageism, by the way!).
Anyways, just a long-winded way to say: check your "need" vs. "want" list in your search for a good doctor, and realize you will have to make a few compromises; the doctor you dream of may not exist in real life. Talk to your friends, get some referrals from them and family, as well as other trusted doctors, and you'll be set! There are wonderful, friendly, knowledgeable, caring and resourceful doctors out there (now, are they on your insurance plan, that is the question..ha ha!)!
June 8, 2008 - 7:18pmThis Comment
Alysiak, your comments are right on the money (excuse the pun). There are good doctors, but there are bad ones, too, who are motivated by the almighty dollar. As a doctor myself, I have seen this firsthand.
I believe it is harder to find good doctors today for the same reason it is hard for me to find good office employees, who are honest, hardworking, and care for those around them. Many in our society today are more focused on their own interests than they are on caring for others. We see this in the Enron scandal, as well as in many other recent events. The cynicism of our society and the lack of selfless standards in our culture contribute to this problem. To quote C. S. Lewis, "We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."
I believe that doctors as a group are ahead of much of the rest of society. The training process we go through tends to inculcate excellence and self-sacrifice. I discuss this process in my book, Navigating the Medical Maze. Unfortunately, no process gets rid of all the bad apples.
I think the best way to deal with this problem is to do what you have done. We have to be skeptical, and we have to pay attention to clues of dishonesty. We should also be attentive to clues of excellence and selflessness.
In reality, I believe the most common problem is not bad doctors, who are just out for money, but mediocre doctors, who are not thorough, or who do not communicate as they should. When you find a good doctor, as you have, hang onto her, and let her help you find good doctors in other specialties when you need them.
June 7, 2008 - 6:56pmThis Comment
I have known people who get into medicine just for the money. While, for some, medicine is rather lucrative, it just hits me the wrong way that the income potential is more important than the healing oath.
I heard that there is now even a course in "bed side" manner because the profession recognized a severe lack of compassion among young doctors. All the same, I can fully understand feeling nonexistant while the doctor takes a call.
It takes a lot to qualify and complete medical school. It's just a shame that someone would waste their talent and skill by focusing on the bottom line and paying for their lifestyles. I don't mind if my personal physician can afford a nice lifestyle because she's particularly good. But, I've had the experience of feeling like a meal ticket to other doctors, and I make no bones about telling people about my negative experience, just as I am willing to refer people to a physician with whom I've had a good experience.
June 6, 2008 - 7:59pmThis Comment
The AHRQ article does have some great suggestions. I have also written an article on this subject. The full article was posted on The Patient Advocate website. Here is the link: http://patientadvocate.wordpress.com/2008/05/06/five-ways-to-recognize-t.... An abbreviated version of the article has appeared on this site. Here's the link: https://www.empowher.com/community/blog/dr.-steven-brown/08/04/16/five-w.... It seems to me that it is getting harder to find good doctors. I hope these articles give you some new insights.
June 6, 2008 - 7:26pmThis Comment
Recommendations from friends and family members are a great way to find the physician you need.
In addition to your suggestions, the Agency for Healthcare Research Quality has some good ideas including deciding what you want from a doctor, methods for checking credentials, a checklist of what to look out for in the doctor's office and more.
For details, visit Choosing a Doctor -- Your Guide to Choosing Quality Health Care
June 6, 2008 - 8:44amThis Comment