Got a Problem with Your Doctor? Speak Up!
When readers complain about doctors, their comments are always quite similar:
One doesn't like being called by her first name when her doctor insists on being called “Dr. Smith.” Another complains that her doctor doesn’t believe what she says about her own body.
I hear dozens more complaints, like “the doctor is such a hurry,” or “I can’t get an appointment for a week,” or “I get on the Internet and find information my doctor didn’t tell me.”
Rarely do doctors offer complaints about their patients. My guess is they just don’t have time. If they did, they would have asked why we expect them to work miracles despite the fact that we continue to smoke, eat junk food, drink too much, or lie to them about our bad habits. Then, when they give us a prescription or treatment plan, we don’t follow through anyway.
Both doctors and patients have valid complaints. But these complaints are only symptoms of a bigger problem; that is, the business-oriented, profit-seeking American healthcare system.
Think healthcare reform will fix them? Think again. It will more likely make them worse. Further, no future reform measures can change today’s reality. The results of this growing doctor – patient divide are sub-standard outcomes. We’re getting sicker, not better.
Instead of putting up with this increasingly contentious relationship, why don’t we patients begin trying to improve it? Since we are the ones who suffer from substandard care, it only makes sense for us to initiate that improvement. We can’t wait for providers to figure it out. They don’t have the inclination or the time.
If you aren’t happy with your doctor’s approach, then speak up. Provide feedback. Be polite, be honest, command respect – and raise the issue. Don’t like being called by your first name? Then say so. Feel as if your input is devalued? Then explain that, too. Tired of waiting too long in the waiting room? Then call ahead to see if they are running behind.
The best response will be a change, and an acknowledgment that improvement is necessary. A lesser response suggests you may need to find a different doctor.
Next time you’re tempted to complain, see if you can’t offer a solution instead. Because if we patients don’t instigate these adjustments, they just won’t happen.
Learn more about developing a good, respectful and useful relationship with your doctor. |
