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If you're investing both time and money to see a doctor, you deserve to feel confident that they will effectively manage your health. Ask yourself these key questions to evaluate whether your doctor is a good match, or if it's time to seek a new one.
Can you be open and honest with them?
Your doctor-patient relationship begins with you sharing why you’re there—or with their staff inquiring about your health. It's essential to feel comfortable enough to be truthful, even if it involves sharing personal details or admitting you haven't followed previous advice.
Do they take your concerns seriously?
While this is closely related to how much trust you place in your doctor, consider it as a standalone question. Do you feel your doctor genuinely listens to you and acknowledges your worries? Do you have a chance to express what’s important to you? And do they ensure that you fully understand what is happening? You shouldn’t leave their office unsure about the reasons behind the tests or treatments they recommend.
Your doctor should be able to engage in a meaningful conversation with you about your health and concerns, and this should involve honesty from both parties. For example, if you’ve researched a medication you’d like to try or a test you believe is necessary, you don’t want a doctor who dismisses your request without understanding your reasoning. Likewise, you should avoid a doctor who simply agrees with everything without discussing potential risks or costs involved.
Are they up-to-date with the latest medical practices?
Healthcare practices evolve over time, so you wouldn’t want to continue with a doctor who offers outdated advice or is unaware of new treatments. However, even the most knowledgeable doctors may have differing views on the best course of action for your care.
Looking up professional guidelines or position papers from trusted medical organizations can be very useful when assessing your care. For instance, the American Heart Association provides specific guidelines for how healthcare providers should monitor blood tests and manage the prevention and treatment of heart disease. If your treatment differs from these established protocols, it’s perfectly valid to raise it at your next visit. Your circumstances might be unique, and for good reason, or you might leave feeling like seeking a second opinion is necessary.
Is your doctor able to perform the tasks you need them to?
The most compassionate and knowledgeable doctor may not be very helpful if they don't accept your insurance, can't admit you to the hospitals within your network, or lack expertise in the care you need. Be sure to verify your doctor’s affiliations and insurance coverage, and it may also be helpful to check whether they’re board-certified in their specialty. While board certification isn’t a requirement for competence, it’s often a positive sign.
Another challenge is evaluating how skilled they are in their field—especially if surgery is involved, how successful are they at performing it? Websites like DocInfo.org can provide some insight, but personal referrals from trusted friends or colleagues in the healthcare field can be invaluable. The core principle of trusting your physician comes into play here: if you trust your primary care doctor, you're likely to trust the specialists they recommend.
