10 Ways to Irritate Your Doctor

Sunday, July 25th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

Angry Doctor

Doctors are very important people, who we admire, confide in and trust to keep us alive and well. While this may be true for many, there are tons of patients who repeatedly take doctors for granted and make it really difficult for them to administer the kind of care they are capable of. We sometimes forget that doctors are people too, but that doesn’t excuse inconsiderate, unprofessional behavior in their office. Here are 10 ways to irritate your doctor:

Insist on a Prescription You Don’t Need
Doctors are highly trained medical professionals with decades of schooling and experience under their belt. Just because you watched an all day marathon of House does not mean that you are capable of making a medical diagnosis, and it certainly does not mean that you know what medication, if any, you need. Let the expert make the decisions that could improve or even save your life.
Be Late to Your Appointment
Doctors are some of the busiest professionals on the planet. They do not have time for you to keep them waiting, but even if you do show up two hours late, they will do their best to fit you in to their hectic schedules. Try to be courteous and arrive to your appointment on time. The more punctual you are, the less time you’ll have to wait and the more time a doctor will have to answer your questions.
Ask to See Your Doctor’s Notes
Not only do doctors have notoriously bad handwriting, likely making the notes illegible, but such a request indicates a lack of trust in your doctor and is a slightly paranoid approach to trying to understand what your doctor is telling you. If you aren’t clear on a diagnosis or explanation, don’t ask for the doctor’s notes just ask some careful questions to clarify what he or she is trying to tell you.
Request Multiple Doctors’ Notes
Different from the doctor’s notes described above, doctors’ notes or excuse slips are used to verify that you were in fact at the doctor when you missed school or work. This official document tells whomever it may concern that you were at the doctor’s office because of an illness or condition that needed professional care. Patients who request multiple doctors’ notes irk physicians, because they may be trying to weasel their way out of work and hope the doctor will cover them with a note that says so. Don’t be a dishonest patient and don’t expect more than one note per visit.
Ask Too Many Questions
Asking the right questions is an important part of medical treatment. Asking your doctor about the molecular mechanism causing your sore throat is probably a huge waste of time for both you and your doctor. Your doctor is there to answer your questions and encourage you to ask them, but in order to get the most out of your time with a physician, you should focus on asking the right questions rather than as many questions as you can think of.
Bring the Whole Family Into the Room
The waiting room at your doctor’s office is not meant to be a family gathering. Doctors are usually patient with circumstances like your inability to find a babysitter or other family needs, but that doesn’t mean you can invite Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa and your six cousins to your annual checkup. Doctors try to maintain a pleasant and professional waiting room, so try to respect their facilities, as you would expect guests to do in your home.
Complain Non-stop
Doctors know you aren’t feeling well and that you’re likely grumpy. But guess what? You aren’t the only patient they will see that day that feels the same or worse. Complaining rather than discussing symptoms will likely get you nowhere. Doctors want to help, but they are also human beings and deserve courtesy and respect just like everyone else. Complaining about services, waiting time and the doctor’s colleagues will usually only make things worse for you. If you have a concern about wait time, try to courteously ask why you haven’t been seen and if you aren’t satisfied with your appointment, ask to see the doctor again. Doctors know they are running a business and they want to satisfy their patients, but prefer to handle issues in a calm, civil way.
Vaguely Describe Symptoms
“I’ve been feeling a little off lately” will not get you a diagnosis, because it doesn’t really tell the doctor anything. Try to be specific and detailed about your symptoms. If you aren’t, doctors won’t be able to help treat you accordingly. If you’re in pain, tell him or her where it hurts, when it hurts and if it’s constant or random spurts of pain. In other words, be specific. It will make your visit more efficient and help your doctor help you.
Not Knowing Your Meds
Whether you are visiting a doctor for the first time or the 100th time, you should always know which medications you are prescribed to. If you can’t remember, bring your medicine with you or make a list of your meds, as well as vitamins, supplements and other nonprescription drugs you’re taking. Don’t expect the doctor to know each and every pill you take on a daily basis, but DO come prepared with the names of your current medication, so they can provide safe and effective treatments.
Lying to Them
Not only is lying to your doctor a shameful thing to do, but it’s also a risky measure to take if your well-being could be at risk. Doctors aren’t mind readers, nor are they going to probe someone who they think is telling the truth. Tell them about everything that hurts or looks weird, and don’t hold back if you drink or smoke. You’re paying for their service, so get your money’s worth and be true to yourself.