Choosing and Communicating with Doctors and Other Practitioners
As empowered patients, we are responsible for making our own healthcare decisions. But healthcare professionals, from doctors and nurses to pharmacists or acupuncturists, will be our best resources for helping us make those decisions.
What is a Patient Centered Medical Home?
A new concept in delivery of medical care, based on an old but effective premise, is the patient-centered medical home. Read what makes this concept unique and why you might want to seek out a practice that is conducted this way.
A new concept in delivery of medical care, based on an old but effective premise, is the patient-centered medical home. Read what makes this concept unique and why you might want to seek out a practice that is conducted this way.
What Does the Surgeon General of the United States Do?
The Surgeon General holds the highest public health position in the federal government of the United States. But few of us know what the Surgeon General does, or what his or her responsibilities are.
The Surgeon General holds the highest public health position in the federal government of the United States. But few of us know what the Surgeon General does, or what his or her responsibilities are.
Have You Shared Internet Information With Your Doctor?
Most of us go online to find information about our diagnosis or treatment options. But we have varied experiences sharing that information with our doctors. What has your experience been with your doctor?
Most of us go online to find information about our diagnosis or treatment options. But we have varied experiences sharing that information with our doctors. What has your experience been with your doctor?
Denial of Medical Care
Sometimes patients find they have been denied care by a doctor - the doctor will no longer treat them, or may never allow an appointment to be made to begin with. Patients may feel discriminated against, and may or may not know why that has happened. Here are stories shared by patients who have been denied the care they needed.
Sometimes patients find they have been denied care by a doctor - the doctor will no longer treat them, or may never allow an appointment to be made to begin with. Patients may feel discriminated against, and may or may not know why that has happened. Here are stories shared by patients who have been denied the care they needed.
Improve a Doctor's Bedside Manner
It can be frustrating to try to work with a doctor who doesn't have a good bedside manner. Some of us have developed tools to encourage better bedside manner from our doctors, and some ideas have been shared below. If you have suggestions to improve a doctor's bedside manner, we hope you'll share them, too.
It can be frustrating to try to work with a doctor who doesn't have a good bedside manner. Some of us have developed tools to encourage better bedside manner from our doctors, and some ideas have been shared below. If you have suggestions to improve a doctor's bedside manner, we hope you'll share them, too.
Working with An Arrogant Doctor
Sometimes we have no choice but to be diagnosed and treated by an arrogant, egotistical doctor. Here are stories and suggestions for how to find success beyond this doctor's unpleasant personality.
Sometimes we have no choice but to be diagnosed and treated by an arrogant, egotistical doctor. Here are stories and suggestions for how to find success beyond this doctor's unpleasant personality.
Choosing the Right Doctor for Your Medical Care
Good and effective medical care begins by choosing the right doctor for your needs. These tips will help you choose your Dr. Right.
Good and effective medical care begins by choosing the right doctor for your needs. These tips will help you choose your Dr. Right.
How to Find a Doctor Online
There are dozens of websites to help you find a doctor. Which of the sites is credible or useful? Learn how to do a useful search for a physician online.
There are dozens of websites to help you find a doctor. Which of the sites is credible or useful? Learn how to do a useful search for a physician online.
How to Deal with an Arrogant Doctor
Sometimes we encounter a doctor who is so arrogant and condescending that we can't get the care we need. Learning to deal with an arrogant or egotistical doctor may be necessary for improving our health.
Sometimes we encounter a doctor who is so arrogant and condescending that we can't get the care we need. Learning to deal with an arrogant or egotistical doctor may be necessary for improving our health.
How to Improve a Doctor's Bedside Manner
In the old days, it seemed like most doctors had a pleasant bedside manner. But today we get frustrated because doctors are in such a hurry and may seem brusque and unfriendly. Learn what patients can do to improve a doctor's bedside manner.
In the old days, it seemed like most doctors had a pleasant bedside manner. But today we get frustrated because doctors are in such a hurry and may seem brusque and unfriendly. Learn what patients can do to improve a doctor's bedside manner.
How to Communicate With Your Doctor
The most effective and successful healthcare begins with a respectful rapport between doctors and patients. Wise patients understand what comprises that rapport.
The most effective and successful healthcare begins with a respectful rapport between doctors and patients. Wise patients understand what comprises that rapport.
A Doctor's Medical Training and Experience
We hear the terms "intern," "resident" and "attending" when it comes to describing a physician. But did you know that not all of them are licensed to practice medicine, even though they may be practicing on us? Learn what these different medical training designations mean, and what experience comes along with such medical training.
We hear the terms "intern," "resident" and "attending" when it comes to describing a physician. But did you know that not all of them are licensed to practice medicine, even though they may be practicing on us? Learn what these different medical training designations mean, and what experience comes along with such medical training.
Sharing Internet Information with Your Doctor
Patients sometimes find that their doctors don't like it when they have researched information about diagnoses and treatment options on the Internet. Here is a plan for sharing health information you find online effectively.
Patients sometimes find that their doctors don't like it when they have researched information about diagnoses and treatment options on the Internet. Here is a plan for sharing health information you find online effectively.
Primary Care Physicians (PCPs)
We hear the term "primary care" -- savvy patients know exactly what PCPs do and what to expect from their care. GPs, internists, family practice, pediatrics, OB-GYN and geriatrics may all be considered primary care.
We hear the term "primary care" -- savvy patients know exactly what PCPs do and what to expect from their care. GPs, internists, family practice, pediatrics, OB-GYN and geriatrics may all be considered primary care.
Why Is It So Difficult to Find a Primary Care Physician?
When we know it is time to change doctors, sometimes it seems impossible to find a primary care physician. Why is it so difficult and what can we do instead?
When we know it is time to change doctors, sometimes it seems impossible to find a primary care physician. Why is it so difficult and what can we do instead?
Are You Seeing the Right Specialist?
When a patient has a difficult time getting a diagnosis, or thinks he may have been misdiagnosed, it could be because he is working with the wrong kind of specialist.
When a patient has a difficult time getting a diagnosis, or thinks he may have been misdiagnosed, it could be because he is working with the wrong kind of specialist.
Why Does My Doctor Send Me for So Many Medical Tests?
When we have unusual symptoms, the doctor recommends a variety of tests to help diagnose. Sometimes we don't understand why there are so many, or why some of those tests are necessary. One answer is, "follow the money."
When we have unusual symptoms, the doctor recommends a variety of tests to help diagnose. Sometimes we don't understand why there are so many, or why some of those tests are necessary. One answer is, "follow the money."
Why Can't I Find a Doctor to Coordinate My Care?
Patients who have been to visit a number of specialists or other providers are often frustrated because no one will review all the reports or tests or help them coordinate their care. When we understand why this happens, we can take steps to improve our own experience.
Patients who have been to visit a number of specialists or other providers are often frustrated because no one will review all the reports or tests or help them coordinate their care. When we understand why this happens, we can take steps to improve our own experience.
What Is Boutique Medicine (Concierge Doctor Practice) ?
A concierge practice, also known as boutique medicine, is a practice model used by doctors who do not accept a patient's insurance for payment. Is this a good model for patient care?
A concierge practice, also known as boutique medicine, is a practice model used by doctors who do not accept a patient's insurance for payment. Is this a good model for patient care?
Physician Extenders -- Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are found in many practices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the country. Savvy patients want to know the capabilities of physician extenders and when it's a good time to lean on them for care.
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants are found in many practices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the country. Savvy patients want to know the capabilities of physician extenders and when it's a good time to lean on them for care.
Why Won't Some Doctors Accept My Health Insurance?
Whether or not a doctor accepts a certain form of insurance is all based how much your insurance company is willing to pay for his services. How does that work? Why do doctors accept some payers and not others? How does this affect a patient's care?
Whether or not a doctor accepts a certain form of insurance is all based how much your insurance company is willing to pay for his services. How does that work? Why do doctors accept some payers and not others? How does this affect a patient's care?
Why Won't My Doctor Spend Enough Time With Me?
We patients get frustrated when our doctors seem to be in such a hurry. We don't understand why they won't take the time to answer our questions. When we understand why this happens, we can take steps to change it, or make it easier to tolerate.
We patients get frustrated when our doctors seem to be in such a hurry. We don't understand why they won't take the time to answer our questions. When we understand why this happens, we can take steps to change it, or make it easier to tolerate.
Should You Use "Ask a Doctor" Advice Websites?
Websites that offer doctors to provide one-on-one personal medical advice for free or for a fee are available to patients who have medical questions. Learn which of these sites can be useful, and which may be downright dangerous.
Websites that offer doctors to provide one-on-one personal medical advice for free or for a fee are available to patients who have medical questions. Learn which of these sites can be useful, and which may be downright dangerous.
How to Find a Doctor's Medical Malpractice Track Record
While it's easy to find plenty of information about doctors online, not all if it is the information we really need. Checking on a doctor's medical malpractice track record may produce the background information we need, or it may just muddy the doctor research waters.
While it's easy to find plenty of information about doctors online, not all if it is the information we really need. Checking on a doctor's medical malpractice track record may produce the background information we need, or it may just muddy the doctor research waters.
Who's Who and New in the Hospital?
New job titles mean safety improvements for patients. Hospitalists, proceduralists and intensivists may be new names to patients, but they are improving patient care.
New job titles mean safety improvements for patients. Hospitalists, proceduralists and intensivists may be new names to patients, but they are improving patient care.
What is Medical Board Certification?
Patients are told to find a doctor who is board certified. Learn why it is important for physicians to be board certified in medical specialties and what the competencies are to make them eligible to be board certified.
Patients are told to find a doctor who is board certified. Learn why it is important for physicians to be board certified in medical specialties and what the competencies are to make them eligible to be board certified.
How to Verify a Doctor's Board Certification
Patients are told that a board certified doctor is a good choice for a practitioner. Taking the time to verify a board membership is worth the effort and will help ensure that the doctor meets at least a minimum competency for handling your healthcare.
Patients are told that a board certified doctor is a good choice for a practitioner. Taking the time to verify a board membership is worth the effort and will help ensure that the doctor meets at least a minimum competency for handling your healthcare.
Doctors Reject Difficult Patients
Patients report that their doctors will not see them, refusing to make appointments or rejecting their requests for help. What most patients don't realize is that it is their own behavior that may have caused those rejections. Learn more about the reasons doctors may reject difficult patients.
Patients report that their doctors will not see them, refusing to make appointments or rejecting their requests for help. What most patients don't realize is that it is their own behavior that may have caused those rejections. Learn more about the reasons doctors may reject difficult patients.
Doctors Complaints About Patients' Behavior
We hear plenty of complaints about doctors and healthcare, but patients should be aware that doctors don't like to deal with difficult patients either. What complaints do doctors have about their patients?
We hear plenty of complaints about doctors and healthcare, but patients should be aware that doctors don't like to deal with difficult patients either. What complaints do doctors have about their patients?
Should You Complain to Your Doctor?
There are times we all get frustrated by long waits to see the doctor, not getting our questions answered, a rude receptionist or other problems with the system that keep us from getting the care we want and need. When is it time to complain, and how do we know when the relationship is worth keeping?
There are times we all get frustrated by long waits to see the doctor, not getting our questions answered, a rude receptionist or other problems with the system that keep us from getting the care we want and need. When is it time to complain, and how do we know when the relationship is worth keeping?
How to Complain or Provide Feedback to Your Doctor
There are many reasons patients get frustrated with their doctors and their doctor appointments. Once you have decided the relationship with your doctor is worth keeping, you'll need to voice your opinions and make sure you are heard.
There are many reasons patients get frustrated with their doctors and their doctor appointments. Once you have decided the relationship with your doctor is worth keeping, you'll need to voice your opinions and make sure you are heard.
Is It Time to Change Doctors?
There are a number of reasons a patient may decide to change doctors. Sometimes it's a necessity, and others it's a choice. Learn about good reasons for making changes and the first steps toward a smooth transition.
There are a number of reasons a patient may decide to change doctors. Sometimes it's a necessity, and others it's a choice. Learn about good reasons for making changes and the first steps toward a smooth transition.
How to Change Doctors
For many reasons, patients may need, or wish to, make a change in their doctor or other health care providers. It's smart to make the change systematically so you won't create a problem.
For many reasons, patients may need, or wish to, make a change in their doctor or other health care providers. It's smart to make the change systematically so you won't create a problem.
Write a Letter to the Doctor You Are Leaving When You Change Doctors
There are many reasons we may choose to change doctors. Writing a letter to the doctor you are leaving can be cathartic to you. It will help you explain your reasons, is a good way to request your medical records and will help your doctor improve his service to future patients.
There are many reasons we may choose to change doctors. Writing a letter to the doctor you are leaving can be cathartic to you. It will help you explain your reasons, is a good way to request your medical records and will help your doctor improve his service to future patients.
When Do You Need a Second Opinion?
When you have a difficult diagnosis, or if the treatment options presented to you are invasive or long-lasting, you need to get a second opinion.
When you have a difficult diagnosis, or if the treatment options presented to you are invasive or long-lasting, you need to get a second opinion.
Finding a Second Opinion Doctor
Take these steps to help you identify the best doctor to work with to get a second opinion about your diagnosis or possible treatment.
Take these steps to help you identify the best doctor to work with to get a second opinion about your diagnosis or possible treatment.
How to Work With Your Second Opinion Doctor
This is a process for working with your second opinion doctor to find the best outcomes for your medical condition.
This is a process for working with your second opinion doctor to find the best outcomes for your medical condition.
Sharing Internet Information with Your Doctor
Patients sometimes find that their doctors don't like it when they have researched information about diagnoses and treatment options on the Internet. Here is a plan for sharing health information you find online effectively.
Patients sometimes find that their doctors don't like it when they have researched information about diagnoses and treatment options on the Internet. Here is a plan for sharing health information you find online effectively.
Have You Been Blacklisted, Blackballed or Denied Medical Care?
Patients report they have tried to see a doctor but they are denied medical care by any doctor. They report that they have been blacklisted, blackballed or that entries have been made to their records indicating they should not be seen or treated.
Patients report they have tried to see a doctor but they are denied medical care by any doctor. They report that they have been blacklisted, blackballed or that entries have been made to their records indicating they should not be seen or treated.
How to Repair Your Relationship With Your Doctor
Once a patient's relationship with her doctor goes sour, it's time to assess whether it can be fixed, and if so, how to go about repairing the patient-doctor relationship.
Once a patient's relationship with her doctor goes sour, it's time to assess whether it can be fixed, and if so, how to go about repairing the patient-doctor relationship.
How to Choose a Patient Advocate
A patient advocate who has the experience and skills you need to assist you will be difficult. You'll want to be sure to screen candidates well to be sure they have the credentials and abilities they claim to have, and the ability to help you. Ask the following questions to help you choose the person who will advocate on your behalf.
A patient advocate who has the experience and skills you need to assist you will be difficult. You'll want to be sure to screen candidates well to be sure they have the credentials and abilities they claim to have, and the ability to help you. Ask the following questions to help you choose the person who will advocate on your behalf.
Where is Marcus Welby?
Heralded as the consummate example of the perfect family doctor, Marcus Welby, MD was a TV doctor who set the bar much higher than real doctors can possibly achieve.
Heralded as the consummate example of the perfect family doctor, Marcus Welby, MD was a TV doctor who set the bar much higher than real doctors can possibly achieve.