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HEALTH SERVICES: ASSESSING HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Suppose you decide that you do need medical help. You must then identify what type of help you need and where to obtain it. Initially, selecting a provider may seem a simple matter, yet many people have no idea how to assess the qualifications of a health care provider.
Knowledge of both traditional medical specialties and alternative, or complementary, medical treatment is critical to making an intelligent selection. You also need to be aware of your own criteria for evaluating a health professional. Several studies have pointed to bedside manner and positive interactions with doctors as key to patient satisfaction. In a survey of HMO members, it was shown that even in a setting of limited physician choice, the opportunity to select ones personal physician had a positive influence on patient satisfaction with that physician. Regardless of your criteria for evaluating a health care provider, you should fully understand your coverage options when selecting from a panel or network of providers. Carefully consider the following factors about all prospective health care providers:
• What professional educational training have they had? What license or board certification do they hold? Note that there is a difference between \"board eligible\" and \"board certified.\" Board certified indicates that they have passed the national board examination for their specialty (e.g., pediatrics) and have been certified as competent in that specialty. In contrast, board eligible merely means that they are eligible to take the specialty board\'s exam or that they may have failed the exam.
• Are traditional medical providers affiliated with an accredited medical facility or institution? The Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) requires these institutions to verify all education, licensing, and training claims of their affiliated practitioners. What other doctors are in their group, and who will assist in my treatment?
• Are they open to complementary or alternative strategies? Would they refer me for different treatment modalities, when appropriate?
• Do they indicate clearly how long a given treatment may last, what side effects I might expect from treatment, and what things I should be on the alert for?
• Do their diagnoses, treatments, and general statements appear to be consistent with established scientific theory and practice?
• Who will be responsible for my care when the doctor is on vacation or off call?
• Do they listen to me, appear to respect me as an individual, and give me time to ask questions? Do they return my calls, and are they available to answer questions?
• How often has the doctor performed this test, surgery, or procedure, and with what proportion of successful outcome?
When a doctor orders a test, treatment, or medication, you might ask questions like these to gain more knowledge or explore other options:
• What are the side effects of the diagnostic tests, and can these side effects be treated or reduced?
•Does this procedure require an overnight stay at a hospital or can it be performed in a doctor\'s office?
• Why has this test been ordered? What is the doctor trying to find or exclude?
Asking the right questions at the right time may save you personal suffering and expense. Many patients find that writing their questions down before an appointment helps them get answers to all their questions. You should not accept a defensive or hostile response; asking questions is your right as a patient.
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GENERAL HEALTH
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