Improve Your Relationship With Your Doctor With Four Simple Steps

If you want to have a good relationship with your doctor then you need to do your part.  Your doctor controls a lot of the cards that influence if you have a good relationship with your doctor or not but there are definitely things you can do from your end to help things along in that direction.

Treat the staff with courtesy.  If you want your doctor to think you are a kind and caring person, then do your best to show that part of your personality and not just to the doctor.  The staff’s opinion of you will be discussed with the doctor at some point and you can count on that.  Being kind to the staff has an additional benefit.  When you need to get an appointment at last minute or need to get a message to the doctor quickly, they are much more likely to help you.

Take an interest in your doctor and their life.  Always ask how they are or compliment them if you like their sweater or shoes.  You may be surprised when this opens up the door to a deeper conversation.  You don’t have to be friends with your them but it helps to be friendly if you want to have a good relationship with your doctor.

Be honest with your doctor.  If you haven’t be taking your medication the way it was prescribed to you, don’t say that you have.  It helps them to make a better decision about your care.  Be sure to explain why some part of their health plan for you isn’t working.

Being punctual for your appointments is a very important tip to follow to have a better relationship with your doctor.  While it is true that doctors often keep us waiting, it isn’t wise to return that favor if you want to stay on their good side.

Image Credit: Counsil for Older Adults