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How to Build Trust with your Doctor

Finding a doctor that you are comfortable with and can trust is a real concern for many Americans today.  Horror stories of rushed appointments, doctors serving profits first, and misdiagnosis are the main reason for anxiety and worry surrounding a doctor visit.  A veteran health journalist for Readers Digest offers some trust building tips for all of us.

#1 – Doctors can spend several hours a day on computers inputting data on your medical record. You can ask permission to read those notes.

#2 – Ask your doctor for his/her cell phone number. Ask if the office has an online patient portal and if they have someone that help you to use it.

#3 – Many websites can show how much money your doctor is receiving from pharmaceutical companies. This may be a beneficial thing to look into.

#4 – Ask your doctor about getting a second opinion and if the doctor gets irritated, it is definitely a red flag.

#5 – Connect with the medical team on a human level. Bringing small gifts liked baked goods is a great to show your appreciation. Also ask how they are doing.

Other suggestions by the health journalist that are “trust but verify”

  1. See the same doctor every time
  2. Ask about the office policies
  3. Share your concerns, especially diagnosis and treatment plan
  4. Do your own research on mayo clinic.org, hopkinsmedicine.org, uptodate.com as well as family and friends
  5. Check credentials, info on malpractice or discipline on docinfo.com. verify certification on certificationmatters.com
  6. Ask about financial conflicts such acceptance of pay from pharmaceutical companies for promoting their products, financial interest in imaging center, surgery center or special medical equipment.
  7. Set up a face-to-face meeting with office manager.

Remember, when it comes to your or loved one’s health be a proactive advocate.

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