Doctor-Patient Communication
Many successful relationships are based around open and honest communication. The relationship with your doctor should be no different. Patients who are unhappy with their medical treatment are often suffering because certain factors prevent them from being able to fully express their concerns and wishes to their doctors.
Honest Communication with Your Physician
It is important for patients to remember that doctors must often have access to private, personal information in order to properly diagnose and treat conditions. For this reason, patients should choose a physician with whom they can clearly and honestly communicate their needs and concerns. Barriers to this type of open communication may include:
- Gender. Many patients feel more comfortable talking about personal issues with a doctor of their own gender.
- Lifestyle. Some patients may be frightened, embarrassed, or otherwise too intimidated to reveal certain aspects of their lifestyle that a doctor needs to know about in order to diagnose or treat conditions.
- Language. Patients whose first language is not English may be able to more easily communicate with a doctor who speaks their first language.
A patient should search for a doctor with whom he or she feels comfortable speaking about sensitive issues openly and honestly.
Contact Us
Unfortunately, not all doctors provide the level and quality of care that their patients require. If you or a loved one has been injured or otherwise harmed due to the negligence or carelessness of a physician or another health professional, you may be able to hold them responsible for your losses. To learn more, contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 215-238-1130.