Finding the right family doctor in the Riverview and Brandon, Florida areas may not be as easy as it seems. You want a doctor who is board-certified, experienced, and compassionate. It can seem tricky to find the perfect fit for your family's medical needs, but it doesn't have to be.
If you're unsure about whether your family is currently with the best family doctor for you, here are 5 signs it's time to switch family doctors.
1. Scheduling Is Impossible
It's important to have a physician who is available within a reasonable time of your needing to arrange a visit. This is especially essential if you or someone in your family suffers from chronic pain or illness requiring regular check-ups.
If you're finding it nearly impossible, or even semi-difficult, to arrange an appointment within a reasonable time, it may be time to look for a new family doctor.
Of course, doctors are busy and may not always be able to see you right away. But quality doctors with helpful staff should be able to arrange a visit for you within at least a week of your call.
If you are experiencing an emergency, you should call 911 or visit an emergency room.
2. Your Doctor Doesn't Listen
The last thing you need when you're sitting in a doctor's office is to feel like they're not listening. It can be intimidating for some people to visit a doctor.
Because of this, your family doctors should be aware of your feelings and willing to listen to any questions or concerns you may have. Choose a doctor who takes the time to hear you out and respond when you have a concern.
3. You Receive a Diagnosis That Doesn't Seem Right
While doctors are highly educated and should have your best interests at heart, even great doctors can sometimes make mistakes or not have all the facts. If you feel concerned or uncertain about a diagnosis your doctor has given, mention it to them.
This alone doesn't need to be a reason to seek a new doctor. But, if your doctor ignores your concerns, that's an issue.
If your family doctors aren't willing to consider other possibilities or allow you to seek a second opinion, it's probably time to find a new doctor.
4. The Office Staff is Unprofessional
The office staff is often a reflection of the doctor themselves. If your doctor's office staff are unfriendly, unprofessional, or unorganized, it doesn't reflect well on the doctor.
After all, it's most likely that the doctor hired that staff.
5. Your Doctor Violates Your Rights
There is such a thing as HIPAA, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Federal law prohibits a doctor or doctor's staff from sharing patient information unless the patient explicitly agrees. If you feel like your doctor or their staff has not respected and protected your privacy as a patient, high-tail it out of there.
HIPAA violations are a serious legal offense and should be a sure sign you need new family doctors.
Find Family Doctors in Riverview Today
If you find that it's time for you to locate new family doctors in Riverview, Florida, don't wait a minute longer.
Having quality medical providers in place, before an illness or accident is vital to keeping your family safe and healthy. Contact us today to get to know our staff and have your questions answered. Stay healthy!