In order to feel good about your medical care, you should feel good about your doctor,
too. Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate your physician:
Does your doctor listen to you and answer
all your questions about the causes and treatment of your medical problems? Or, is he or
she vague, impatient, or unwilling to answer?
Are you comfortable with your doctor? Can
you openly discuss your feelings and talk about personal concerns, including sexual and
emotional problems?
Does your doctor take a thorough history?
Your doctor should ask about past physical and emotional problems, your family medical
history, medications you take, and other matters that affect your health.
Does your doctor address the root causes of
your medical problems or simply prescribe medications to treat the 
symptoms?
Are you satisfied with the doctor's
substitute when he or she is not available?
Do you feel at ease asking your doctor
questions that may sound "silly"?
Does your doctor explain things in simple
terms?
Is the office staff friendly? Do they
listen to you?
Does your doctor answer your telephone
calls promptly?
Are you generally kept waiting for a long
time when you have an appointment?
Does the doctor have hospital privileges at
a respected hospital?
If you are not satisfied with your answers to these questions, discuss your concerns with your doctor. If, after this discussion, you are still not satisfied, consider looking for another doctor.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99