3 ways to get more from your doctor
On-time visits, close attention and excellent health outcomes – a case study in relationship-based healthcare
Does trying to make a timely appointment to see your family doctor cause you endless frustration? Are you tired of covering your health concerns in a five or ten minute window? After initial consultations do you feel like there’s a lack of follow-up?
If you feel like you’re missing the care in healthcare, maybe it’s time to make a change. Here are three ways to help you feel better:
1. Establish a relationship with your physician
Research indicates that the better your relationship with your doctor, the greater the satisfaction with your care. With that in mind, finding the right doctor is important. But it can be hard enough to find a practice accepting new patients, much less a physician who you truly connect with. And, cultivating a relationship with someone you see only sporadically can be difficult. That was the case with Vancouver resident Louise Zizka. Frustrated with hasty visits and a lack of rapport with her family physician, she finally took her cousin’s advice and contacted Copeman Healthcare.
“I have several health issues and, unfortunately, I felt I just wasn’t getting the attention I needed,” says Louise. “Visits always seemed rushed and not all my concerns were being addressed. Now I have a physician who I see regularly, who takes the time to listen and who is genuinely devoted to ensuring I have the best possible quality of life.”
2. Demand clear communication (from everyone)
“At Copeman Healthcare we work within a team methodology, there are at least three or four sets of eyes on every patient, so things don’t get missed and collaboration is easy,” says Dr. Pavel Glaze, Louise’s physician. “From the dietitian to the kinesiologist to the Family Health Nurse, we all work together with each patient to ensure there’s a clear understanding every step of the way.”
Louise certainly appreciates the support network she enjoys through the LifePlus Program at Copeman.
“From the doctors to the nurses to the receptionists, dealing with friendly, efficient people just makes you feel well cared for.”
3. Insist on timely follow-up
Follow-up is a critically important element in any care plan, so make certain it occurs in a practical and timely manner. Goals must be achievable so your healthcare team needs a good understanding of your situation. “Physicians always want the best for their patients but circumstances don’t always allow for it,” explains Dr. Glaze. “Ideally, I want to closely monitor my patients’ treatment plan and not wait 2 or 3 weeks to see them. In that regard, Copeman sets itself apart from other models and it shows in our patient satisfaction.” For Louise, making changes to her healthcare has greatly increased her satisfaction. It has also meant a better quality of life.
“Since joining the LifePlus Program at Copeman, I have a better understanding of my health issues, I feel more in control and I know I have the support I need to make and see improvements.
“I want to be able to keep enjoying time with my children and grandchildren, and if I can do something about that, well, I have to do it. After all, life is precious!”