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.
Your 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