Choosing a Doctor

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Lon
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by Lon »

I don't know how most people wind up with their particular doctor, but I believe it's safe to say that not all doctors in the same specialty diagnose or treat a particular condition the same way. In fact, sometimes they are completely opposite in their treatment. That's not a real confidence builder.

Since the advent of computers and the ability to access both medical, pharmacology, and data on specific doctors and hospitals, the patient is now in a position to make informed choices. Older physicians tend to dismiss medical info that their patients access on the net, whereas the younger and more computer literate MD's do not feel threatened. My concern with a National Health Insurance system is, would I still have choice, or would my doctor, hospital and treatment be as shabby as some of the government run Veteran's Administration Facilities that now exist. I am not confident in the government choosing particular doctors. I would prefer to do my own research.
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minks
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by minks »

Lon;680090 wrote: I don't know how most people wind up with their particular doctor, but I believe it's safe to say that not all doctors in the same specialty diagnose or treat a particular condition the same way. In fact, sometimes they are completely opposite in their treatment. That's not a real confidence builder.

Since the advent of computers and the ability to access both medical, pharmacology, and data on specific doctors and hospitals, the patient is now in a position to make informed choices. Older physicians tend to dismiss medical info that their patients access on the net, whereas the younger and more computer literate MD's do not feel threatened. My concern with a National Health Insurance system is, would I still have choice, or would my doctor, hospital and treatment be as shabby as some of the government run Veteran's Administration Facilities that now exist. I am not confident in the government choosing particular doctors. I would prefer to do my own research.


i have to agree with you there Lon, as long as you are sound of mind yes you should be able to make that choice.
�You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.�

• Mae West
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Mystery
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by Mystery »

I selected both my doctor and my son's pediatrician by reputation in my community (which is a small one). Luckily, they've been good choices. I tend to be the type of person to demand things in a certain way, especially where my son is concerned. He suffers from allergies and allergy-related asthma, so we actually have a host of doctors from his pediatrician to the allergist to the ear specialist (on our second set of tubes), so you have to be careful that the continuum of care is complete. Regarding a national system - I am in complete agreement. That's a decision that should be left up to every individual. The doctor-patient relationship should be based on comfort, and if you're forced to use someone specific, that doesn't start out well.
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Lon
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by Lon »

Mystery;680205 wrote: I selected both my doctor and my son's pediatrician by reputation in my community (which is a small one). Luckily, they've been good choices. I tend to be the type of person to demand things in a certain way, especially where my son is concerned. He suffers from allergies and allergy-related asthma, so we actually have a host of doctors from his pediatrician to the allergist to the ear specialist (on our second set of tubes), so you have to be careful that the continuum of care is complete. Regarding a national system - I am in complete agreement. That's a decision that should be left up to every individual. The doctor-patient relationship should be based on comfort, and if you're forced to use someone specific, that doesn't start out well.


Reputation seems to be one of the good ways to check docs out. Nurses seem to have a handle on the good ones and bad ones as well.
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Mystery
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by Mystery »

Lon;680212 wrote: Reputation seems to be one of the good ways to check docs out. Nurses seem to have a handle on the good ones and bad ones as well.


Just so happens my sister used the doctor I chose and she actually now works in his office. As for my son's doctor, he's one of the most popular in this area, based on his bedside manner and open-mindedness. Open-mindedness is important to me.
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neffy
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by neffy »

i have got a great GP been with her now for 17 years :)
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sunny104
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Choosing a Doctor

Post by sunny104 »

I use my psychic powers, it always works. I'd always want it to be my choice and not the government or anyone else. :)
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