Most residents of the state of Ohio likely rely on certain professionals to provide much needed services. Those relationships may be long in duration and individuals may feel a sense of loyalty toward the professionals. There may be times however when it is appropriate to end that business relationship and move on to another provider. One situation where this need may arise is with one’s personal physician.
Of all the things that Ohioans rely upon others for help with, perhaps no other relationship is quite as important as the one with a healthcare provider. This is because one’s life can literally depend on the actions of that individual. Due to the nature of this relationship it is vital that the relationship be a good one. This begs the question; under what circumstances should you fire your doctor?
While every patient has a different threshold for various behaviors there are certain things that could prompt a person to consider finding a new doctor. They include:
- The doctor not being respectful of your concerns
- The doctor not paying attention to reports from specialists who you are also working with.
- The staff, who are an extension of the doctor, not being courteous or providing relevant information.
- The doctor hiding information regarding tests or not explaining why a course of action is recommended.
- The existence of a personality conflict or the lack of comfort with the individual.
- Being unable to get a hold of your doctor when a concern arises.
- Feeling that you are not being listened to.
- Waiting too long for your appointment and when you do meet with the doctor, feeling rushed.
While on the surface these signs may seem trivial, it is possible that some of these behaviors could constitute care below the acceptable standard. In other situations they behaviors could lead to errors that result in injury to a patient. While in either of these situations a medical malpractice lawsuit might be filed to recoup damages, most would likely agree that it is best to avoid such problems in the first place. Finding a new doctor could accomplish that goal.
Source: U.S. News & World Report, “When to Fire Your Doctor,” Angela Haupt, April 18, 2014