Having a strong relationship with your doctor has clear advantages. While you may be one of those people who infrequently goes to the doctor, establishing a level of trust with the physician is extremely important on the occasion that you do need his or her help. So what are the benefits to having a good working relationship with your doc, what can you do to improve this relationship, and what should you look for in a primary physician in the first place.

For many individuals, a doctor is an anonymous face at a walk-in clinic who prescribes low-grade medication when a sinus infection won’t abate or a sprained ankle is causing extensive pain. However, the draw to having a doctor who knows you, knows your medical history, and is invested in you – as a person – should not be overlooked. For starters, having a bond with your doctor can go a long way to establishing trust and peace of mind when extensive treatment is required. This stands to reason, because most people would rather get news about their health – one of the most personal things imaginable – from someone that they know and respect.

Obviously this bond is not something that can be created overnight and if you are one of the fortunate ones who rarely gets sick, it may seem even more difficult to stand out from the hundreds or thousands of patients that a doctor may see in a given year. The best thing that you can do to maintain a relationship with your doctor is to be consistent with the same physician. Even if you only schedule an annual physical or an infrequent appointment, having all of your medical records in one place can be extremely advantageous. When you visit countless clinics and doctors, records of immunizations or previous sicknesses, for example, may not be stored together in a single place, impacting the diagnosis process, potentially leading to delays or errors down the road.

The first thing you want to do when you’re looking for a new doctor is to do legwork to find someone that you’re comfortable with. After all, it is much easier to develop a relationship with someone that you have a natural chemistry with and makes you feel at ease. Obviously, the first place to start when you’re searching for doctors is close to your home, within your insurance network. From there, you may expand your search if the need arises, but keep in mind, if you need to visit your doctor regularly, you probably don’t want to drive all across town.

When you’re interviewing potential doctors, pay close attention to their education and experience, but also their manner and personality. If they seem distracted or frustrated answering your questions, it is probably a good idea to move on, because this often speaks to their bedside manner. Clearly, you want a doctor who is best equipped to deliver the quality of care that you require, but having a comfort level with your doctor is exceedingly important, especially when you are in need of extensive care.

Another good way to strengthen your relationship with your doctor is to do your homework and educate yourself on your health. If you are told that you have a certain condition, research what that means, what treatment options are available to you, and the general prognosis of the condition, so you can ask educated questions.

To learn more about how you can improve your relationship with your doctor, and why it is so important, speak with your doctor. They’ll likely appreciate that you are making an effort.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to strengthening the patient/doctor relationship.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to strengthening the patient/doctor relationship. http://www.lsiphysicianrelations.com/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to strengthening the patient/doctor relationship.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: strengthening the patient/doctor relationship, healthcare facts