Evaluating Your Patient-Doctor Partnership

• Are you comfortable with your doctor?
• Can you openly discuss your feelings and talk about your most personal concerns?
• Do you believe your doctor will stand by you, no matter how difficult the problems become?
• Does your doctor listen to you and answer all your questions rather than being impatient and vague?
• Does your doctor do a thorough evaluation of the problem rather than attributing it to "just old age," for example?
• Does your doctor deal with the real cause of your medical problems rather than automatically prescribing drugs?
• Has your doctor helped you identify another doctor who can provide care in an emergency or when your doctor is not available?
• Do you feel at ease asking your doctor questions that may sound silly?
• Does your doctor use language that you can understand when answering your questions and providing information?
• Does your doctor answer your telephone calls promptly or give you information about the best time to call if you have questions or concerns?
• Are you generally kept waiting for long periods when you have an appointment?
• Is your doctor willing to work with you to find an alternative treatment plan if you are not able to go along with his or her initial suggestions?