5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Doctor - AmO: Life Beauty Without Limits...

1. Reputation

A doctor’s reputation can give a good indication of their professional manner, as well as their personality and temperament. As well as asking friends and family for recommendations, you can find out more about a particular doctor by reading online reviews.

2. Specialisms

Many doctors specialize in particular areas of medicine, such as dermatology, oncology or pediatrics. If you’re looking for a practitioner who can assist with a condition that has been diagnosed, searching for a doctor who is a specialist in the relevant area of medicine can be beneficial.

3. Insurance

Accessing healthcare services can be expensive, so you’ll need to factor in costs when you’re selecting a doctor. If you have health insurance, you’ll want to select a clinic or doctor who is registered with your insurance company.

4. Rapport

Having a good rapport with your doctor will mean you feel more at ease during consultations, which can make it easier to access the support, advice and treatment you need. If necessary, have initial consultations with multiple practitioners until you find someone you have a good rapport with.

5. Credentials

You can check a doctor’s credentials searching for them on the American Board of Medical Specialties, but you can also find out whether any negative reports have been listed on their state’s licensing board. It’s easy to assume that anyone claiming to be a doctor has the relevant qualifications, but it’s always worth verifying that your clinician has the requisite certifications to practice.

What to Do If Things Go Wrong

No matter how diligently you research potential doctors, there is always a risk that you could receive subpar treatment. If a doctor’s conduct equates to negligence, you may be able to take action with help from Chicago medical malpractice lawyers. An incidence of malpractice can have devastating effects on the patient and their family, so it’s important to take action, if you feel able to do so.

In addition to this, your doctor’s conduct or negligence may warrant a complaint to the licensing board. Often, this will instigate an investigation and the doctor may face sanctions, such as having their license suspended.

Coping with Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can cause physical harm, but it can cause emotional distress too. You may feel wary about seeking medical treatment in the future if you’ve been a victim of malpractice, for example. That’s why many people seek professional support if they’ve been affected by negligence or malpractice. By talking with a therapist or counsellor, you can begin to process the situation and overcome any ongoing feelings of anxiety, anger or frustration you may have.