Because you care about your overall health, you understand the importance of seeing your primary care physician regularly. When you are sick, though, having a trusted doctor becomes even more essential. Still, some doctors are simply better than others.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 80% of Americans claim to have a positive view of their physicians. This makes roughly 20% of the population unhappy with their regular care providers. If you fall into this category, you may wonder if it is time to find a different doctor.
Does your doctor listen to you?
Due to the nature of the American health care system, doctors tend to be busy. While there is nothing inherently wrong with trying to see as many patients as possible, your doctor should not neglect your care.
If your physician does not listen to you or take your concerns seriously, he or she is probably not a good fit. Rather than risking a delayed or missed diagnosis, you may have to go shopping for a new doctor.
Has your doctor made a mistake before?
Doctors who have excellent track records sometimes make life-altering mistakes. More commonly, however, it is the physicians who have provided substandard care who commit malpractice. If your doctor has misdiagnosed you or made another mistake in the past, you can expect issues to continue to arise in the future.
If you are lucky, your doctor’s previous mistakes did not result in serious harm. Ultimately, though, by continuing to see a physician who cannot offer the care you deserve, you may increase your chances of becoming a victim of severe medical malpractice.
