We hope that you find an orthopedic specialist who you really connect with that can help you overcome whatever foot and ankle issue you’re dealing with, but we know that this doesn’t always happen with the first doctor you meet. Sometimes a doctor just isn’t the right fit for your situation, and that’s perfectly fine. A problem occurs when we don’t realize that it’s not working out and you stay with that provider far longer than you should. With that in mind, we want to use today’s blog to spotlight five times when it’s clear you should consider switching orthopedic specialists.
Signs It’s Time To Change Doctors
If any of the following are true, it may be in your best interests to look elsewhere for your orthopedic care:
1. Poor Communication – We always say that a doctor-patient relationship needs to be a two-way flow of communication. If you’re not feeling heard by your physician, it is time to move on. Your doctor needs to be able to communicate effectively with you, but they also need to be a good listener if they want to provide you with the best possible care.
2. Seeking A Second Opinion – Two professional minds are better than one, and no doctor should ever be offended that you want to seek out a second opinion. There’s a good chance that the second doctor will confirm what the first doctor is seeing, but you’re going to need to seek out a different physician for this second opinion. If you want a second opinion or feel that it is in your best interest to have another professional take a look at your images, it’s time to look for another provider, even if it’s just a temporary move.
3. Lack Of Specific Experience – Orthopedic medicine continues to become even more highly specialized, and it’s possible that you have a condition that isn’t a great fit for your current provider. If they don’t have a lot of experience correcting your specific foot deformity or dealing with your complex issue, look for a specialist with more experience. Ask your orthopedic specialist about their experience treating and successfully managing past cases that mirror your issue.
4. Lack Of Bedside Manner – The care you receive likely trumps the manner in which you receive it, but at the end of the day, if you just feel like the doctor lacks empathy or compassion for your condition, it may be time to look elsewhere. Before switching, we recommend bringing up your concerns with your care team and letting them know your feelings. Sometimes doctors can be a bit oblivious to their bedside manner because they are so focused on the condition and treatment plan, so voice your concerns and odds are things will change in a hurry. We strive to have excellent bedside manner and empathize with each patient because we truly believe it can impact your treatment outcomes, but we’re not perfect all the time either. Speak up, and if things don’t change, look elsewhere for care.
5. Consistent Inconsistency – Finally, if you’re constantly running into issues with any part of your visit, it may be time to look for a new orthopedic specialist. Having to wait 30 minutes past your appointment time isn’t a major red flag if it happens once, but if the office is consistently behind, nobody will return your calls or you continually have billing problems, you may benefit from connecting with a more organized office.
We do everything we can to avoid the potential issues on this list because we know how important it is for patients to have a provider they can rely on. If you’re in need of a new orthopedic specialist or you’re looking to make the switch to someone who will prioritize your needs and goals, look no further than Dr. Silverman and the team at Silverman Ankle & Foot. For more information, contact our office today at (952) 224-8500.
