10 Good Reasons to Fire Your Doctor

Doctors are human and none of them are perfect. It is no secret that they call their profession "the practice of medicine." Medical errors are one of the leading causes of both death and injury in the United States.

Statistics show that medical errors result in death in the lives of somewhere between 44,000 to 90,000 people in the United States. This is more than those who are killed by the struggle of breast cancer or automobile accidents.

Whether you live with a chronic illness, or are generally healthy, you still need a physician. And despite the risk of errors that may occur, it is vital that you have a doctor who is a partner with you in your short and long-term treatment options.

Are there some sure signs you shouldn't listen to your doctor and you should seek a second opinion, or maybe even shop around for a new physician? Definitely!

1. Your doctor is quick to offer advice before you have been able to fully describe your symptoms. He has difficulty waiting to speak and listening to the answers you provide to his questions. He quickly records his interpretation of what you're saying before you have barely begun to explain your symptoms or situation.

2. Your doctor is determined to prescribe medications that have just been approved by the F.D.A., even though you are hesitant about trying something new. He doesn't explain what the medication will treat, and why it's important for your condition. He doesn't explain short or long term side effects or any plan to get you off of it. Promotional items for these medications are visible around the office, from notepads to clocks.

3. Your doctor acts as if he knows less about your condition that even do. You leave the appointments feeling like all you did was report in your latest symptoms while he took notes.

4. Your doctor appears to lack confidence about his ability to care for you effectively, seldom giving you medical advice or directions. Instead, he seems to tell you to do whatever you believe is best or asks, "Well, what do you think we should do in this case?"

5. Your doctor has a list of procedures or tests you need to have without taking into account the impact it could have on your current health, or your chronic illness. A good doctor keeps your entire well-being and body in mind, not just the part he is "working on."

6. Your doctor seems to give you that look like he is humoring you. When you describe something you read, or ask a question about a new treatment you have heard about, he looks at you with skepticism and a smile and then writes some notes. It feels condescending.

7. Your doctor isn't open with you about the medical records he has kept about you. When you request copies of your records, he may be willing to fax them to another physician but seems to try to avoid you getting them into your hands. One reason it's vital to be aware of what is in your medical records is in case you submit an application for disability aid at some time and social security disability review doctors wish to examine your records.

8. Your doctor is never available when you need him. When you have an emergency he cannot get you in for an appointment immediately. Your prescriptions aren't refilled on time. He doesn't call you back when you have an urgent situation and must page him.

9. Your doctor doesn't believe you are in deep pain. He is stingy with pain medication, even when your pain level is extreme and you have proven to be a responsible patient with pain medications.

10. Your doctor acts annoyed or even threatened when you get a second opinion or decide to see a specialist in a different area of expertise. He procrastinates over getting other doctors his notes who should be kept in the loop of your treatment. He tends to believe that he is the only doctor who can meet your medical needs.

You will know that you have one of the best doctors available when he chooses to listen to you meticulously, takes thorough notes, explains the benefits and disadvantages of medications, and makes sure you understand that you are a primary component of your medical team.

We may never find the perfect doctor, and it may take a while to find someone who is a good match for both our medical condition and our personality. But don't allow your health to be risked just because you are too afraid to speak out and be assertive about your health care needs.

newshealth