If you're dedicating your time and financial resources to visit a doctor, it's crucial to have confidence in their ability to effectively manage your health. Consider the following inquiries to gauge whether you have a reliable doctor or whether it might be worthwhile to explore alternative options.
CAN YOU CONFIDE IN THEM WITH HONESTY?
Every medical appointment commences with your explanation of the reason for your visit, or the provider and their staff inquiring about your recent health status. It's vital to trust your doctor enough to provide truthful answers, even if this entails revealing personal details or admitting non-compliance with prior advice.
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When I began my journey to healing, I felt I was not able to confide in any doctor until I myself was able to understand what medical terms meant and how to advocate for myself. Once I knew what I needed, I found amazing doctors that took the extra step to listen to me and treat my symptoms without feeling like I was being gaslighted. I have included 2 of the best doctors who helped me the most during my healing at the end of this post. |
DO THEY TAKE YOUR CONCERNS SERIOUSELY?
While this relates to your overall trust in the physician, consider this question independently. Do you feel your doctor genuinely listens to your input and treats your concerns with gravity? Is there an avenue for you to communicate your priorities? Do they ensure you comprehend the situation? Leaving the office without clarity on the purpose of tests or prescribed treatments should not be the norm.
Your doctor should engage in open and honest dialogue about your care and concerns, fostering a two-way conversation. This applies to both parties. For instance, if you express interest in a specific drug or test, you wouldn't want a dismissive doctor who doesn't truly listen to your reasoning. Conversely, an agreeable doctor who approves everything without discussing risks or costs might not be ideal either.
| I had many doctors that would throw drugs at me and did not listen to my concerns about them. Having a doctor that truly listens to you and cares is key to healing. |
DO THEY STAY INFORMED ABOUT CURRENT MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE?
Standards of care evolve over time, necessitating a doctor who provides up-to-date advice and knowledge of recent treatments. Nevertheless, even the most exceptional doctors may differ in their recommendations.
Consulting guidelines or position statements from reputable medical organizations, scientific studies, or from information provided from trusted sources can offer insight into your care. For instance, the American Heart Association outlines guidelines for bloodwork monitoring and care for cardiovascular conditions but there are many other forms of knowledge other than normal routes like the AHA too. If your treatment diverges from expert recommendations, it's reasonable to discuss this at your next appointment and advocate for yourself if your doctor's views don't align with yours. Your situation might warrant deviation, or you might decide to seek a second opinion.
ARE THEY CAPABLE OF FULFILLING YOUR NEEDS?
A compassionate and well-informed doctor may not be of much help if they don't accept your insurance, lack admission privileges to your preferred hospitals, or lack expertise in the specialized care you require. Verify your doctor's affiliations, insurance acceptance, and check if they are board-certified or have a deep understanding of their descipline.
WRAPPING IT ALL UP
When choosing a doctor, it's essential to trust their ability to manage your health effectively. Evaluate if you can confide in them honestly and if they take your concerns seriously. Open dialogue is crucial, with both parties engaging in honest conversations about care and concerns. Staying updated with medical knowledge is vital, even though doctors might have differing recommendations. Consult reputable guidelines for insight and discuss any deviations in treatment. Ensure the doctor can meet your needs, considering factors like insurance acceptance and expertise. Trust in a doctor's judgment often extends to their specialist recommendations.
Assessing their proficiency, especially in cases like surgeries, can be challenging. Researching can provide information, but personal referrals from acquaintances and other healthcare professionals can be invaluable. Trust in your doctor's judgment often extends to their recommendations for specialists.
MY LIST OF RECOMMENDED HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
Dr. Casey Scott-Deeb, LAc., DACM, CFMP is a California Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist, and Functional Medicine Practitioner. Dr. Casey provides an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to the acupuncture experience through extensive pulse analysis, herbal and nutritional consultations, cupping, gua sha, and medical massage techniques. She has a wide range of clinical experiences, having treated people of all ages for a diversity of health issues.
~Dr. Scott-Deeb provided me with great care and listened to my concerns, while also working with me to change protocols as my body reacted. She helped me through some of the hardest moments of my journey. She is extremely knowledgeable and empathetic to her clients.
Contact: Dr. Casey’s Acupuncture & Functional Medicine
Phone: (619) 301-1879
Southern California
Dr. Monica Vaghela, Naturopathic Doctor. Dr. Monica Vaghela was raised using mostly natural remedies for common illnesses and has always had an interest in a holistic approach to medicine. As a naturopathic physician, Dr. Vaghela recognizes that nutritional and emotional health plays the biggest role in overall well-being. She uses an integrative approach in patient care by looking at the whole person and finding the root cause. She has experience with a variety of patient types that range from working with refugees to professional athletes.
~Dr. Vaghela helped me through much of my initial journey before I found out mold was an issue. She helped me recover from intense food allergies and listened to my needs. She allowed me to change her protocols as my healing journey progressed. I would also add that the manager (Eamon) is extremely kind and the reason I continue to order most of my supplements from this office for myself and clients.
Contact: Charlotte Narural Wellness Phone: (704) 543-5540
10722 Carmel Commons Blvd
Suite 450
Charlotte, NC 28226