When it comes to choosing a doctor, everyone wants a good fit. But finding someone you like and trust can be hard – like, really hard! It can be even harder to find a doc that you can trust with your very personal, and often very complex, pelvic health issues. Issues like sexual dysfunctions, bladder and bowel dysfunctions, and pelvic pain are some of the more common things for which people seek out help. Docs who work with these types of issues include: OB/GYNs, urogynecologists, urologists, gastroenterologists, pelvic floor physical therapists and pelvic floor occupational therapists. But how can you be sure you have the right one for you? 

Research shows that people who trust their health care providers feel better about the care they receive and have better health outcomes. So, how do you know when you trust your doctor? How can you be sure that you have the right one for YOU? Well, the answer to these questions will require some reflection. Not to worry, I’ve got you covered! I have created a list of 10 questions that will help guide you to your answer.

As a doctor of physical therapy and a pelvic health physical therapist, a lot of my patients have shared with me their traumatic experiences in their medical care.  Heck, I’ve experienced it myself! The oh-so-common story of blindly trusting our docs and ignoring our intuitions only to have our boundaries pushed, our symptoms dismissed, our voices hushed, and our hopes of recovery dashed. These experiences are even more commonly experienced by people of color. If only we could have seen the bright red flags right in front of our faces. This cannot go on!

Consider the following 10 questions to help you identify red flags. Although created for the pelvic health patient, they can also be useful to anyone making a decision on a healthcare provider.

PAUSE. Let me say this before we move on. Remember your thoughts and feelings are valid. Be honest with yourself as you reflect on these questions. They are meant to guide you and encourage you to take ownership over your health care experience. As you go through each question, start by simply answering with a “yes” or “no”. After your answer, go back through the question and ask yourself “why” you gave the answer you did. The “why” is the most important part.

Alright, are you ready, friend? Let’s get into these questions!

1. Do I feel like my concerns have been truly heard and adequately addressed by my doctor?
2. Does my doctor explain their reasons for the medical treatment they recommend?
3. Does my doctor explain things in a way that I can understand?
4. Do I feel like my doctor is non-judgmental or dismissive of my symptoms, regardless of my lifestyle choices or practices?
5. Is my doctor trained or experienced in treating my condition, or similar conditions to mine, with positive feedback from previous patients?
6. Does my doctor provide me with education and tools that I can use to help manage my symptoms?  (ie printed resources, self-help techniques, exercises, medical equipment, products, etc.)
7. Am I offered the option to say “no” to any recommendations that are suggested without shame or punishment?
8. Does my doctor foster an environment of safety during our visits?
9. In working with my doctor, do I feel supported and hopeful?

10. As I work with my doctor, am I experiencing positive changes in my health and/or quality of life?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then it may be time to have a candid conversation with your current doctor. During this conversation, be sure to speak openly about your concerns so that your doctor can address your concerns as best as they can.

By the end of this conversation, my hope is that you and your doctor will come to an understanding that builds trust and improves your medical care experience. Sometimes more than one conversation is needed to address all your concerns. However, if you find yourself feeling un-validated or dismissed when expressing your concerns, then it may be in your best interest to amicably part ways and find a new provider that is a better fit for you.

If you are currently searching for a doctor that is right for you, keep these 10 questions in mind as you communicate your desires early on in your course of treatment.

If all else fails, GO WITH YOUR GUT. If you feel unsafe or uncertain about the services you are receiving from your doctor, then it is well within your right to advocate for yourself and your health.

Starting a candid conversation about your concerns with your doctor can feel very intimidating. Here’s a free PDF download for sample scenarios and scripts you can use to make things abit easier.

Wondering if pelvic physical therapy would be a good option for you? Contact Dr. Ciara and set up a free discovery call.

Mention Pelvic Health Support for 10% off your first visit.

 

 

References:

Birkhäuer, J., Gaab, J., Kossowsky, J., Hasler, S., Krummenacher, P., Werner, C., & Gerger, H. (2016). Trust in the health care professional and health outcome: A meta-analysis. PLoS ONE, 12(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0170988

Cruz, D., Rodriguez, Y., & Mastropaolo, C. (2019). Perceived microaggressions in health care: A measurement study. PLOS ONE, 14(2), e0211620. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0211620