A few questions to ask yourself when finding the right doctor

Some people embrace their doctor's opinion and some tend to be skeptical. Medical care takes both patient and doctor working together to get results. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

• Doctors can't always know how much time each patient will take, but none should keep you waiting a half hour or more without an apology.

If you speak to your doctor about a new ache, does she follow up with appropriate questions and testing?

• If you bring materials or offer information you've found elsewhere, is your doctor respectful in response? He should listen to your opinions about your healthcare situation keep an open mind regarding what you want to pursue.

• Does your doctor offer one treatment without discussion? He should discuss several options with you, including the pros and cons of each, allowing you to make an informed decision together.

• Does your doctor give you time to discuss new concerns and the effects of any treatments? In some provinces doctors are required to book very short appointments, of ten minutes even.
• That said, your doctor should give you his or her full attention when you are there, and should let you be there for your full appointment time without rushing you.

• Can you call to discuss any side effects of a new medication and/or get a new prescription (or appointment for follow-up)?

• If so, does your doctor have the statistics and studies to back up assurances about his or her unique treatment?

• Is he or she frank about the pros and cons of complementary and alternative medicines? Is he or she willing to refer you to practitioners? Your doctor should realize that your care is the top priority, even if that means he doesn't treat you himself.

• Does your doctor tell you what treatments or specialists are covered before referring you? Do you feel comfortable discussing your insurance coverage and related financial needs with your doctor?

• You don't need any better excuse to go elsewhere than your unremitting pain. It's time to ask for a referral when you feel you're not getting anywhere and/or when you feel your pain isn't addressed adequately.

• Ask your doctor if he or she has treated cases like yours before. You'll also know your doctor is not up to speed if recommended treatments aren't working or your pain is getting worse.
• Many patients with pain are not referred to a pain specialist and many aren't even told if there are any near their homes. Ask for a referral.

• If you see a doctor for pain and never hear from his office between appointments, that get in touch once a week to check in and suggest new self-care strategies.
• You have a right to expect your doctor to be involved in your care.

Depending on your condition, finding the right doctor can sometimes be quite difficult. Be sure to find someone you are comfortable with who is also knowledgeable and experienced.