Visiting a new doctor for the first time can be intimidating because you do not really know what to expect. Will you get there and be persecuted, or will things go on as usual? In most cases, moving to a new care provider is not a big deal, as the majority of licensed healthcare providers are very educated about the rules and guidelines on how to treat patients. However, medical malpractice is still a problem and there are still many clinics, hospitals and personal practices that aren’t as exemplary as they should be. With that said, here are four things to look out for when visiting a new doctor for the first time.
1. Hygiene and Sanitation
First and foremost, your new doctor and them nursing staff must wear gloves when they handle anything that may cause cross-contamination or other biological hazards. If you barely see your doctor or nurse wearing medical gloves, that’s definitely cause for concern. Most of the disposable gloves used in the doctor’s office are nitrile gloves, which are generally blue. In addition to gloves, check floor, wall, and counter surfaces to see if they’re cleaned repeatedly.
2. Politeness and Respect
While sanitation and procedures are clearly a major concern, how you are treated is just as important. Watch body language and the way you talk. If your doctor is too direct with you and will not let you finish your sentence or ignores your questions, look elsewhere for a doctor. In some professions, manners are less significant than results, but when you are dealing with the people responsible for your health, it is a different story.
3. Mindfulness and Awareness
As well as being good and clean, your new doctor should even be attentive to your needs and interests. Likewise, they’ve to show that they’re know the symptoms or problems you are experiencing at the time of the visit (ie – heavy breathing, sweating, high blood pressure, etc). If your doctor belittles and ignores your tests such as changing your oil, you may want to go elsewhere.
4. Waiting Room Quality
While the waiting room should not be your top precedence, it is absolutely an indicator of how much a company cares about the comfort of its patients. A good waiting room will be spacious, airy, well decorated, and stocked with items to keep you entertained, such as magazines and a large television. Ideally, there should even be a phone for you to use and/or quick access to a desk clerk who can help you access information or pass on details to the doctor who will be seeing you.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Medical Provider
Many people deal with whatever type of treatment they get at the doctor’s office because they’re used to thinking they haven’t any choice. In fact, you have the right to visit any doctor you like. Of course, it’s wise to select from the provider that accepts your insurance, but beyond those clear boundaries, you aren’t required to stay with the same care provider if you aren’t contented with their behavior or performance.
