Getting Along with Your Doctor Could Prevent Medical Errors & Mistakes
The most important consideration when choosing a doctor is the level of knowledge, skill, and experience they have in practicing medicine. At the same time, having a doctor with a good bedside manner plays an important role in making visits more comfortable and ensuring appointments go smoothly. In new studies concerning the high rates of medical mistakes and errors, the ability to get along with your medical providers has been linked to the overall quality of care you receive. The following provides some insight into how to improve this relationship, as well as the warning signs that a lack of good communication could be putting your health in jeopardy.
The Potential Impact Of Being Rude to Your Doctor
Studies by researchers at Johns Hopkins University show that medical errors and mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the U.S., killing as many as 250,000 people each year while causing serious and potentially life threatening conditions for millions more. The study found that most medical mistakes were not the result of a lack of skills on the part of the doctor, but rather due to environmental factors such as the following:
- Poorly coordinated care
- Complicated insurance requirements
- Lack of accountability
- Absence of established protocols for handling patients
The result is a varying level of care, based both on the doctor and the timing of your visit. Doctors, like us all, are subject to stress and burnout. Repeated aggravations with medical systems and encounters with rude fellow employees and patients can significantly alter their performance and the quality of care patients receive. A 2016 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics showed that doctors who were berated and treated rudely during procedures and examinations were as much as 50 percent more likely to make errors or mistakes that could negatively impact the patient’s health.
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Issues That Could Jeopardize Your Health
The above shows that it’s in your best interest to be considerate of your doctor, but it is also important to make sure they afford you the same courtesy. Rushed appointments, inadequate examinations, lack of communications with other providers, and ignoring symptoms are all things that can make medical errors and mistakes more likely. During an appointment, you should be polite and respectful, while making sure your doctor does the following;
- Reviews family and medical history
- Reviews medications, test results and previous treatments
- Checks and records current symptoms and any side effects
- Explains new tests and procedures
- Explains treatment goals
- Answers all concerns and questions
Failing to provide any of the above could make medical mistakes and errors more likely to occur.
Contact Our Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or someone you love is the victim of a medical mistake or error, contact our experienced South Carolina medical malpractice attorney today. At Anastopoulo Law Firm we provide the professional legal representation you need to hold responsible parties accountable, so that you can get the compensation you need to recover.
Call or text 803-222-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
