The 3 C’s
Posted on March 24, 2009
Infertility taught me a lot of lessons. I’ve learned patients (to some extent). I’ve become a more active participant in my health as well as the health of my family. And I judge my providers; making changes when their approach doesn’t fit my needs.
I’ve created the 3 C’s that I use now when assessing my health providers:
- Are they compassionate?
- Do they display their competence openly to me?
- Will they work in collaboration with me in my health?
Although these 3 C’s may seem basic, I’ve used them to make decisions for me and my family. For example, whenever my daughters are ill we go to the same doctors office, but it’s often difficult to schedule an appointment with my girls primary care physician on short notice. Therefore, often times we see one of the other doctors in the office. So far I have been impressed with the display of compassion by all of the doctors in this group. They truly seem to feel sorry for the sick child, my child.
The item of competence is assumed by us whenever we visit a doctor. What I like is when the doctor describes why they are doing a procedure or prescribing a particular medication. Or discussing how my illness will progress until I get better. In December my doctor was concerned about one of my eyes. She made it clear that it was imperative I visit an eye doctor ASAP. When she explained why it was so important, I scheduled the appointment within 30 minutes of leaving her office. I will no longer accept a doctors instructions without an explanation as to why it is critical that I do something. I need to know the consequences of my actions or the medications I am taking.
The third item is the most important, at least in my opinion. If my doctor doesn’t treat me as a critical member of the team than I go find a doctor that will. About one year ago I made the decision to leave my Ob/Gyn who I had been seeing for more than 5 years because he wouldn’t run a simple test for me. He discounted my opinions and my need to know the status of my pituitary tumor. My current Ob/Gyn ran the test for me after I explained to her why it was important for me to know the results. I know my body better than anyone else, and I should be treated as such.
What are your requirements for your health care provider?
» Filed Under Doctors, Personal Growth
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Wow. Thanks for this. I have been feeling like I need to change ObGyns and this has confirmed it. I do not feel like I can answer positive any of your 3 C’s about my doctor.