“I have the simplest of tastes, I like only the best.”
Oscar Wilde
When it comes to your healthcare how do you know you are actually getting the best? Most of us love and trust our own doctor; yet national poles tell us that we are less trustful of medicine as a whole and not entirely confident in our often complex healthcare system. How can those two statements jive?
I believe that our respect for our own personal doctors comes from getting to know them and their reputation and realizing that they are well trained and smart, they care, and they are there for you and your family when you need them. Our perception of healthcare as a whole comes in large part from the media’s portrayal which all too often focuses only on the problems and snafus inherent to medicine and too little on the fact that we, in this country, are blessed with the finest healthcare in the world.
This is not to say that we should ignore problem areas. We must focus on them to constantly improve the quality care we deliver. But there should be balance especially in the media. Healthcare often falls short when it comes to service. Once you leave your own doctor’s office, the healthcare maze can get quite complicated and sometimes plain unfriendly. Some insurance companies and HMO’s have also driven a wedge between patients and their doctors and have created many unnecessary roadblocks on the path to recovery.
Whether you think the system is great or not so good, you owe yourself to be sure that your doctor is the best for what ails you. Remember you can’t expect your doctor to be an expert on everything. Medicine has become very specialized. Start with the doctor you trust. Consider seeing a specialist or even a subspecialist very focused on one condition. Some problems are better serviced at university academic institutions or hospitals and others in the community hospitals and offices.
The Best Doctors in America (www.bestdoctors.com) is a great resource that was started by two individuals in need of specialized care who did not feel they were given the best advice initially. Most major cities have their “Top Doc” list but remember there are many wonderful doctors who work quietly under the radar and don’t make those “higher profile” lists.
Be ready to get a second or third opinion when needed. Most reasonable doctors encourage a second opinion especially in times of uncertainty, but don’t fall into the trap of doctor shopping until you hear what you want to hear about your condition. Be realistic. Be hopeful. Be smart and question, question, question and listen, listen, listen. Learn to listen as much as you speak. Hopefully your doctor will be doing the same.
FitTip
If you or a loved one has a medical problem, learn to be your own advocate. Do some research and you will find your “Top Doc.” That path to the “best,” as Oscar Wilde implies, is often quite simple.
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