How to Know When It's Time to Switch Doctors

It can be a difficult decision to switch doctors especially if you've been with the same one for many years. Sometimes even a good doctor can turn into one who doesn't meet your health care needs. There are many reasons for this. Sometimes medical practices become crowded and overbooked or doctors develop burn out from the long hours, becoming unresponsive to patient's needs. This can make getting quality medical care a challenge. If you feel your current doctor is no longer meeting your expectations, when should you make the decision to break up the relationship? Here are some signs that it's time to find a new doctor.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Your Doctor is Difficult to Reach
   
   If you have a medical emergency, you need quick access to your medical care. Yes, you can go to the emergency room but you'll end up seeing a doctor who doesn't know your history or understand your needs. You should be able to reach your doctor or one of his associates twenty four hours a day by phone through their on call service. If you try to reach your doctor after hours and no one responds, it may be time to switch health care services.
2. The Wait to Be Seen Has Become Intolerable
   
   Medical offices are crowded these days particularly during the winter months when seasonal viruses abound. A well organized medical office will take measures to reduce your wait particularly if you're in pain or extremely ill. If you find yourself waiting for more than thirty minutes for a scheduled appointment, it may be time to reevaluate your relationship with the practice and find a new doctor.
3. Your Doctor No Longer Listens To You
   
   When you describe your problem do you feel as if your doctor isn't really listening? Does your doctor seem preoccupied and avoid direct eye contact with you? Does he or she seem rushed and impatient? These are all signs that you may not be getting the medical care you deserve. A doctor who doesn't listen to his patients is more likely to miss a critical diagnosis that could endanger your health. If you feel you're talking to the wind, it may be time to find a new doctor.
4. Your Doctor Doesn't Explain Your Treatment Options
   
   If you are diagnosed with a serious or even a not so serious medical condition, you deserve an explanation of the possible treatment options as well as their risks. If your doctor whips out a prescription pad and writes a prescription for you without explanation, you may be seeing the wrong doctor.
5. Your Doctor Dismisses Your Symptoms as Psychosomatic
   
   If you're experiencing a symptom and your doctor dismisses it as being a manifestation of stress without first investigating it, he's not being a good doctor. Too many physicians are inclined to believe that symptoms are “all in the patient's mind” and avoid taking the time to pursue all possible diagnostic avenues. Don't let this happen to you.