Going to the doctor is not always a pleasant experience. Often we are going to see a doctor because we are not feeling well, or because we have to have an examination done. With the reasons for going being negative, you want the rest of the trip be as positive as possible. You don’t want your visit to the doctor to be any worse than it has to be, but unfortunately this is the case for many people. Not every doctor’s office or physician is the same, and there may come a time when you should switch to another doctor. Here are 5 signs that it might be this time for you.
They Are Too Busy
Is it a struggle to make an appointment with your doctor? If you’re having a hard time finding a date that works for both you and your doctor, it may be a sign that you need to switch. Doctor’s can only take on so many patients, and if yours took on too many, it could mean that you are getting less attention, and that you can’t get an appointment when you want one. You could also deal with long waiting times once you arrive at the office, which takes up more of your day, and leave you sitting in a waiting area when you already don’t feel well.
The Office Doesn’t Look Clean
One of the most important aspects of any doctor’s office is that it is clean. An office that is not clean can lead to the spread of diseases or infections, making your situation worse than it was when you walked in. You want to make sure your doctor is taking all necessary precautions when treating you to keep things sanitary, and that both the examination rooms and the waiting rooms are kept in a good condition. If they’re not, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Your Doctor Is Too Far Away
When you’re sick or dealing with an injury, it can become hard to get around. Perhaps you’re unable to drive, or you’re too sick to sit in the car for a long period of time. In situations like this, you’ll want a doctor that is close to home. You don’t want to be sitting in an hour of traffic when you have a fever, or driving 30 miles when you have a broken arm. Take a look in your area and see if there are any other doctors closer to home. Be sure to check and make sure they accept your current health insurance before making any changes.
They Offer You Bad Advice
The worst thing a doctor could do is give you poor treatment. You are putting your well being into this person’s hands, and you want to be able to trust that they know what they are doing. For example, if you go into the doctor with a fever, and they say it’s nothing and that it will pass, you don’t want to find out a few days later that you have strep throat. Or, you don’t want your doctor to prescribe you medications that you don’t need. Instances like this have led to things like a proton pump inhibitor lawsuit, and you don’t want to be next. Check out your doctor’s credentials, look for reviews online, and if your doctor doesn’t measure up, make a switch.
They Don’t Seem To Care About You
Finally, when you’re sick or injured, this is a low point for you. You want a doctor who is going to make you feel better, and who seems like they care about your well being. If your doctor is rude, abrupt or dismissive, it will make your low point feel even lower. While these things don’t make them unqualified as a doctor, they can make your experience more unpleasant. If you don’t have to deal with a rude doctor or their office, why should you? Make a switch, and find an office that treats its patients a little better.
Make The Switch
Changing your doctor doesn’t have to be a complicated process. There are plenty of reasons that you should switch if you’re unhappy, so don’t put it off any longer than you need to. Start looking for a new doctor in your area, and once you find one that you think you’ll like, set up your first appointment. The new office will be able to arrange everything with your old one, so you don’t have to worry about much except maybe filling out a few forms. Then, when the time comes when you’re sick, and you need to get out to your doctor, perhaps you’ll dread the experience a little less.