![]() ![]() If you're like the majority of English speakers you'll say "doctor's appointment," even though nothing is wrong with the less common "doctor appointment." Do you say you have a "doctor's appointment" or a "doctor appointment"? Your health depends on it.Let's say you're due for your annual checkup. It may be frustrating to start your search again, but it's worth it to find a doctor who really gets you. When you meet new potential doctors, feel free to tell them what wasn't working with your old one - it will help make sure you start off on the right foot. "If you feel like you've made an effort and you're not heard, you're not listened to, it's always OK to find somebody else," she says. Can you use less medical terminology?"Īnd if you've given all this a shot, and still feel you aren't connecting with your doctor? It may be time to break up, Goldberg says. You can try something like: "It makes me feel dismissed when you look at the computer more than me." Or, "I am having a hard time understanding the plan. ![]() Start with personal language about how your doctor makes you feel, and try to keep your feedback specific. We promise: Your doctor really does want to hear from you about what she could be doing better. So what if you have a doctor but things haven't been going so well? How do you tell your doctor, "I think we need to talk?"įirst of all, you shouldn't hesitate to give your provider feedback. ![]() One recent study showed that when black patients have black doctors, for example, they're more likely to get recommended preventive services.Īnd if English isn't your first language, it may be a good idea to call different doctors and see whether you can find one who speaks your native language. If you're a person of color, there's research that shows that having a minority physician may be good for your health. "Find somebody who is curious, who asks questions that let you know that you're being heard," says Sana Goldberg, a nurse and the author of How To Be A Patient. Going to a doctor or nurse who is empathetic can actually help you stay on top of taking your medications and getting the preventive tests you need. Be on the lookout for someone who makes eye contact and who listens without interrupting. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable with your provider. Be aware, this isn't the same thing as checking whether the doctor is in your insurance network. You can find this out on your doctor's website or by asking when you call the office. "It just allows for continuity."Īll of this means you should probably look for a doctor who works for the same hospital system or physician's group as do a variety of specialists and hospitals. "As a practicing physician, I know how much better it is for us to take care of patients when we can all see the electronic medical record of what's been going on," Manning says. This allows your doctor or nurse to communicate with your specialists about your treatment plan - which can be crucial for your health. But for those of you who have some medical problems or have been hospitalized in the past year, it's important that you see a primary care doctor who shares electronic medical records with any specialists you see.
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