It’s often surprising to see how little thought people give about choosing the right healthcare facility or practitioner. People often spend more time shopping for a car than for a doctor. But if you’re an expecting mother, suffering from a chronic illness, or are simply looking for a good family doctor, choosing the right practitioner is essential. In this article, I’m going to give you some of the traits you should be looking in a good doctor and healthcare facility
A Caring and Sincere Attitude
Working with a doctor is really one of the most personal relationship you can have with anyone. And working with an unfriendly, cold and uncaring doctor is the last thing you want to do. After all, this is a person you will be trusting with your life. A warm and attentive disposition might seem like a minor trait to look for in a doctor, and many might give more attention to credentials and reputation, but a caring doctor is more likely to give you all the attention you deserve and give good recommendations. He is also less likely to treat you like a number.
Your doctor should be there to assist you through challenging times and often will play the role of a counselor. Choosing someone who truly cares about you on a personal level will make you more comfortable and will also ensure that he always has your best interest in mind.
Solid Credentials
Of course, any healthcare facility or doctor you choose to go for should have the proper credentials and certifications. For doctors, they should meet state requirements and have a valid license. They also need to be in good standing with their professional order. When it comes to administrators, facility managers should at least have an MHA degree or something equivalent. It doesn’t matter if the MHA degree comes from a top notch medical school or an online MHA degree from a reputable institution such as Ohio University, what’s important is that it’s there and clearly displayed. If administrators or any member of the staff is reluctant to show credentials, run away.
Easily Reachable and Available
Availability is one of the most important things you should be looking for in a doctor. First of all, the doctor or healthcare facility should have clear office hours and consistent guidelines as to when you can contact them for advice outside of office hours. It goes without saying that these hours should be respected. And if your doctor is unavailable during these hours for some reason, the doctor himself or a representative should contact you promptly.
It would also be wise to inquire about your clinic’s policy regarding cancellations. Some clinics will charge a fee if you cancel your appointments on short notice. Also, ask if the clinic in questions keeps spots open for urgent visits in case you have an emergency.
Conclusion
All these traits should indicate that you’re choosing the right healthcare practitioner for your needs. The ideal doctor should be attentive, caring and have the best interest of their patients in mind. Also, all the staff should have the proper set of credentials and abide by state regulations.
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