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10 Signs You Need a New Doctor

Worried about your doctor's outlook on your health? You need a new doctor if any of these things ring true.

By Skunk UzekiPublished 5 years ago 6 min read
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America has a serious healthcare problem, and a large part of the problem goes beyond just the cost of going to a doctor. You see, America has a huge problem when it comes to some doctors' behaviors—especially when it comes to sexual health and life-altering decisions.

I am a survivor of the American healthcare system, and I can honestly say that the number of competent doctors who operate without an agenda is far smaller than you think. In the world of healthcare, what you don't know can kill you.

Are you worried that the doctor you trust with your life isn't giving you the right care? Here are some of the signs you need a new doctor sooner than you think.

Your doctor shames you for having sex or denies you the birth control of your choice.

Your doctor should never try to dictate your sex life or reproductive decisions. It doesn't matter whether you are male or female. It's your body, and therefore your choice.

Sex-shaming happens to both male and female patients, though it's definitely more common among female patients. If you have a doctor who refuses to offer you birth control, gives you a "child quota," or tries to enforce an age minimum prior to you being sterilized, you need to find a new doctor.

Medical boards frown upon doctors who make reproductive decisions on behalf of others. This is something you may want to report to their medical licensing board—and also mention on public reviews of their office.

Think about what would happen if you ordered a hamburger at McDonald's, and had a cashier refuse to serve you because they're vegetarian. This is no different; it's equally ludicrous.

You are paying for health insurance to cover your health care. You are the customer here. So, why should a random bozo who has absolutely nothing to lose from letting you live your life dictate what you do?

The doctor botched something involving your healthcare already.

Medical malpractice is very hard to prove, primarily because it has to be clearly done knowing it will harm you. Mistakes do happen, after all. That being said, you should never give a doctor who has already made a serious mistake a second chance; you deserve optimum healthcare.

I mean, you already dodged a bullet and quite possibly suffered dings on your medical records because of him. Why would you go back again?

Your doctor is clearly using their religious bias against you.

This is a major pet-peeve of mine, and it should be an issue you have, too. A person who puts their religion over your health will never really have your best interests in mind, even if you are from the same religion they are.

Doctors who have serious religious agendas are doctors who will often make situations worse rather than better; and in many cases, may even add shame to an already emotionally difficult situation.

You've caught your doctor in a lie.

Do you want to hear something horrible about America's healthcare system? Doctors are likely to lie to you if it's in their best interest. There has even been legislation propositioned which would allow doctors to legally lie to pregnant women in the state of Texas in recent years.

I've personally had doctors lie about offering certain treatments and lie about their willingness to hear me out. I've also had doctors lie about laws in order to have me agree with them, as well as lie about studies.

I need not explain why catching your doctor in a lie is a sign you need a new doctor, right? You can't trust them after they have proven themselves to be untrustworthy.

Straight up, your doctor is a jerk to you.

Did you ever notice how many doctors seem to have an issue with people who want to ask questions about their healthcare options? Or, maybe you've noticed that doctors get snippy with people who live alternative lifestyles.

Part of being able to get quality care is the right to be treated with respect. If your doctor is a condescending little shit, don't help him keep his career. Find a new doctor, get a second opinion, and tell his office exactly why you're leaving.

You're not comfortable with the questions doctors ask you.

A doctor should make you feel comfortable—and some don't even really try to make a pretense of it. I had one doctor that I reported after he asked me what my sexual fetishes were. This was during a checkup.

Most people will never have a doctor that does anything close to that, but they may be unwilling to let you be quiet about certain things. If this is the case, you might want to start browsing the internet for a better doctor in your network.

Your doctor seems to be obsessed with getting you on as many prescription drugs as possible.

Have you found yourself wondering lately, "Is medical care making us sick?" There's no small secret about the way that Big Pharma treats doctors. They love to butter them up, pay them off, and encourage them to prescribe the medicines du jour.

Of course, that's not always good for the patients. You don't necessarily need a ton of prescription medicines to feel healthy, and if you think the amount of medications that you're on is overkill, you're most likely right.

You can actually find out how much your doctor received from Pharma kickbacks online. It's worth taking into consideration, especially if you feel he's pushing drugs on you.

The nurses or a doctor told you something that's factually incorrect.

Never take incompetence lightly, especially not when the people who you're visiting are the ones who have your life in their hands. If you're pretty well-schooled in medicine and notice that your doctor is trying to tell you something you know to be untrue, you need a new doctor.

At best, they're lying. At worst, they could be making a deadly mistake. Either way, you need somebody who knows what they're doing when it comes to their health.

You're pretty sure your doctor doesn't respect your time or your right to know.

Yes, doctors are busy, but so are you! Yes, doctors are worthy of respect, but so are you. It's a two-way street, and you need to have a doctor who understands that.

You need a doctor that respects you enough to keep your schedule in mind and cares enough to keep you in the loop about your own health. If you can't get answers from your doctor, or if you find yourself waiting for hours just for a checkup, something is wrong.

Doctors should never treat you like an animal going to a vet's office. They need to understand that you're a human being who has a job you need to be at, questions you need to have answered, and a vested interest in your own healthcare.

If they can't do that, it's time to look around for someone else.

No matter how much you try to explain something to your doctor, they won't listen to you.

A doctor that doesn't listen is a doctor who is a danger to your health. Refusing to listen to a client's concerns often leads to misdiagnoses, a lack of quality care, as well as emotional hurt.

You deserve to be heard by your doctor—even if it's just a casual office visit or consultation. Not listening to you is a huge red flag. If they don't agree with that, you need a new doctor and to take charge of your health.

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About the Creator

Skunk Uzeki

Skunk Uzeki is an androgynous pothead and a hard partier. When they aren't drinking and causing trouble, they're writing articles about the fun times they have.

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