How Do I Choose a Good Doctor?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Choosing a good doctor is an important decision to make, because good care versus bad care could mean the difference between a successful recovery and having to live with an injury for longer than necessary. When you can trust your physician, you will feel more comfortable talking about your symptoms, making it easier for your doctor to accurately diagnose and treat you.

virginia physician facing medical malpractice claimYour doctor plays an important role in your life, so do the proper research to ensure that you are making the right choice. According to a survey conducted by Consumer Reports, individuals who found their doctors through a friend or family member had the most positive experience. Some questions you may want to ask yourself are:

  • How long will you have to wait for an appointment? What if you are in need of urgent care?
  • Does the office staff treat you in a pleasant manner, and are they attentive to your needs?
  • If you call about a health issue, how long will it take for a nurse or doctor to return your call?
  • Who covers for the doctor when he or she is out-of-town, on vacation, ill, etc.?
  • Can you talk to the doctor or nursing staff if you have an urgent medical issue after-hours?
  • Does the physician use a hospital that you trust and are comfortable with?

If you choose a doctor that treats you in a negligent manner, it could result in your serious injury or even death. Examples of physician negligence include:

  • Incorrectly diagnosing your illness
  • Making an error during surgery
  • Failing to conduct appropriate tests
  • Prescribing the wrong medication

When a doctor treats you negligently, it is medical malpractice. If you have been harmed by a physician’s carelessness, contact an attorney to assist you in pursuing your claim. You have options, and we can help you.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Source:http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-to-choose-a-doctor/index.htm

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.