Is your doctor right for you?

Finding a doctor that someone trusts is important for Pittsburgh residents and others. People want a doctor that will give them quality care and one that they know will work hard to avoid errors. Choosing a doctor is not easy, and there are certain behaviors people should look out for.

A person's health is incredibly important. People often want to know the truth about a condition they have been diagnosed with. However, a study shows that about half of doctors have lied about a patient's prognosis. It is for that reason why it would be wise for patients to seek second opinions to be sure they are making informed decisions about their care and treatment.

Doctors have become incredibly busy. Some doctors may see 20 patients in one given day. Because of that, many physicians turn to prescription drugs for a quick fix. However, patients who would like to avoid medication should ask their doctor if there are any alternatives. Doctors should listen to a patient's concerns. If they don't, it may be time to find a doctor that will.

People would likely not feel safe stepping onto a plane if they knew their pilot was sleep deprived. Unfortunately, many doctors treat patients and perform surgery on very little sleep. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, doctors who got less than six hours of sleep are twice as likely to encounter problems during an operation compared to surgeons who are less fatigued.

It is often a good idea to schedule procedures first thing in the morning. That is the time of day that a doctor is most alert. Patients also shouldn't be afraid to talk to their doctor about their sleep habits.

Patients want to know they are in good hands. Although people would like to believe that all doctors provide the same amount of quality care, that is not always the case. That is why it is important for patients to pay attention to how their doctor treats them. If they are uncomfortable, it may be best to move on.

Source: Today Health, "Doctors behaving badly: 7 types to watch out for," Kristen Dold, June 3, 2012