Better Communication = Better Medicine

Everyone understands that time is money. All businesses want to sell as many products as possible in a day to cover expenses. If they are a service provider they want to complete as many services as possible per day, once again to cover expenses and hopefully make a profit.

Where doctors are concerned, they need to see as many patients as possible. This sometimes makes patients feel like they are just a number. I know that I have had doctor visits that lasted about the same length of time as a TV commercial.

How does this issue of time and communication relate to medical malpractice? According to the New York Times, “…studies have shown that primary care physicians sued less often are those more likely to spend time educating patients about their care. More likely to use humor and laugh with their patients and more likely to try to get their patients to talk and express their opinions. It seems that more likeable physicians are less likely to have claims filed against them.”

What does this mean? Should doctors have classes in stand-up comedy in medical school? Certainly not. But the practice of having a good bedside manner is likely just as important in a doctor-patient relationship as the techniques and medicines prescribed for treatment.

Other studies have questioned patients who filed malpractice claims about the reasons for bringing cases into the legal system. Negligence was the number one reason given by patients, but in second place was “my doctor wouldn’t listen to me.” This is a very telling fact that needs to be examined and acted on by doctors and patients alike.

If you feel that your doctor is running you through their office like a car on the assembly line, you would be wise to slow the process down and ask for time to discuss your symptoms, your history, your reactions to medications, whatever is concerning you. If your doctor doesn’t give you that time it might be time to find another doctor.

Better communication will help lower the number of mistakes, but all the talking in the world won’t eliminate medical malpractice. Fortunately we have a justice system available to everyone for addressing negligence and malpractice as well as gaining compensation for pain and suffering. The system works for everyone, but it helps to have a guide as you navigate the many rules that govern the process.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a doctor’s mistakes, negligence, or malpractice it is your right to seek professional advice on the best course of action to take. MalpracticeAttorneys.com has partnered with the most knowledgeable attorneys in the nation who specialize in medical malpractice and we choose the one in your geographic area who specializes in your particular situation.

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