DEALING WITH DOCTORS AND OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

If you have been injured, it is vitally important for you to have a good working relationship with the people who are providing you healthcare. Although this may seem obvious, it is vitally important for you to understand that the nature of the doctor/patient relationship will have a direct effect on the quality and amount of care that you receive.

Doctors are no different from other service providers. They categorize patients as being either “good” patients or “bad” patients. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to know how to become a “good” patient. The purpose of this article is to provide you with some tips and insight on how to best get along with your doctor.

Initially, regardless of the fact that you have been injured, it is important for you to be as civil and polite as possible. No one likes to deal with someone who is rude and impolite and first impressions are important. To the extent you are likable, providers will often go out of their way to assist you and give you the benefit of the doubt, especially where subjective issues are involved. Please be aware that pain is a subjective complaint that does not show up on objective tests. Your attitude and demeanor may very well determine whether your doctor believes you.

Please keep in mind that doctors write down in their records what patients say and their impression of the patient. Even if the doctor is less than friendly or does something that angers you, it is important for you not to lose your cool. This is particularly important in work injury situations where you have no part in selecting the treating physician.

Second, it is important that you keep in mind that doctors today are very busy people. They are often in and out of their examination room with you before you know it. Because of this, we strongly recommend that you write down a list of your problems and complaints. When written down, you will be less likely to forget to tell the doctor of any particular problem. It will also prevent the impression that your complaints vary from appointment to appointment.

Similarly, we recommend that you make a written list of questions you have for your doctor. Don’t make either list in haste. Think about your complaints and questions before your appointment and be complete.

You should also consider taking notes when you discuss your questions with your doctor. It will help you remember what was said and prevent having to ask the same question over and over at subsequent appointments.

Third, it is important for you to understand the basic progression of medical care. Typically, physicians prescribe the most conservative form of care first and progress to more extensive treatments as needed. For example, in a car accident case involving a strain or sprain injury, if there are no broken bones, the physician will typically prescribe rest, pain medication, muscle relaxants as well as ice and heat therapy. If this is not effective after a period of time, physical therapy may be ordered. If physical therapy does not help, a CT scan or MRI might then be ordered. The outcome of the CT scan and MRI might then dictate surgery.

Fourth, it is vital to understand and accept that medical care takes time. There is no magic potion or miracle pill that can be prescribed to provide an immediate cure. Injury complaints cannot be resolved in one appointment.

Because of this, you need to make every effort to make every scheduled appointment unless there is a very good reason that you can’t. Rescheduling upsets already established schedules, prolongs treatment time and repeated rescheduling looks bad in your records. Likewise, don’t be late. Skipping medical appointments or showing up late is a sure fire way to irritate your doctor and his staff. Irritated doctors are not willing to give patients any extra care or the benefit of the doubt when needed.

Fifth, although it may seem obvious, in order to be a “good” patient, you need to follow directions. Take medications as prescribed. If you experience a problem with the medication be sure to let your doctor know, but don’t take it upon yourself to treat yourself.

Similarly, if therapy is prescribed, your attendance and full effort is a necessity for you to be a “good” patient. A failure to follow directions and treatment recommendations suggests to the doctor that you cannot be trusted.

Sixth, you need to appreciate that while it is important to talk about your problems with the doctor, it's also important to acknowledge your progress. Reporting progress is also the sign of a "good patient."

Seventh, be open with your doctor about your health history and personal habits. Open and honest communication is a key attribute of a “good” patient. Failing to fully disclose your prior health history and habits can have a very negative impact on your healthcare and can quickly get you labeled as a “bad” patient.

Finally, be certain to complete your treatment. “Good” patients see it through to the end until the doctor releases you from care. Your medical records will clearly document whether you completed care and if the assistance of your doctor is required for your claim, a failure to complete care can be a hard problem to overcome.

Although observing these simple measures does not guarantee that you will be considered a “good” patient, it will give you the best opportunity of getting the medical care you need and ultimately getting a good medical result.

The lawyers at the Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys are here to consult with you concerning any questions you have about the medical care you are receiving in connection with an injury situation. We believe that the medical care you receive is vital to your recovery and ultimately your case. Please feel free to contact us at anytime.

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