We often hear about the problems posed by medical malpractice liability. One solution after another focuses on courts, juries and litigation.

 

Perhaps the better solution would focus on patients – not because they are responsible for an act of malpractice, but because they are responsible for selecting their doctors. Or they should be. Many of the patients who end up suing could have started off thinking a little harder about the relationship they were about to engage in.

 

Several times a year a local or national news magazine will publicize yet another mind-boggling case of medical malpractice, making you wary of all medical personnel, even if they are just taking your blood pressure.

 

Your odds of becoming a media sensation by having a scalpel placed in your body along with your new pacemaker are slim. Nevertheless, the odds that you do not fully trust your doctor are another thing entirely.

 

Many people are unaware of the fact that they do not have the full confidence in the person in whose hands they put their well-being. A sure sign is the unwillingness of the patient to comply with the diagnosis presented.

 

Some patients do not follow instructions because they see a fundamental conflict between the treatment prescribed and their personal values. If you are a strong believer in homeopathic therapy or have religious convictions that restrict the intake of drugs, do not feel like you have to conform and see a ‘regular’ doctor. Being under the care of someone who shares your beliefs or at least considers them benefits both the patient and the doctor.

 

Compliance is necessary for the healing process to take place. There is a mutual exchange of benefits between the doctor and the patient. If you trust your doctor enough to adhere to his or her treatment plan, you not only serve yourself, but also your doctor. Because he knows what medications you have been taking and what procedures you have been undergoing (he assigned them after all), he is able to better direct your future treatment.

 

This means that while you have to trust your doctor, he must also be able to trust you. You cannot blame a doctor for the results of not following his advice.

 

So what are the signs of a doctor you can trust and how do you find one?

 

First, a trustworthy medical professional is a person who gives you his or her undivided attention. Life isn’t an episode of House, M.D. No one can know how to treat your problem correctly after spending five minutes in your presence (counting the two minutes of eye contact).

 

Second, you should be able to disclose your most intimate experiences, fears and symptoms. Whether it is the family doctor you have been seeing for 20 years for your asthma attacks or a specialist for the occasional eye exam, being honest with your physician is crucial. If you’re unable to discuss the touchy topics with your doc, it is a giveaway that you do not feel comfortable around him.

 

If any of this makes you question your doctor-patient relationship, maybe it is time for you to shop around for a new doctor. Your life is in their hands so don’t be shy.

 

You’re hiring them (and paying a pretty penny for it) to care for you and your family, so feel free to look at their resume and professional record. Ask other patients or get recommendations from friends and family (if any of them were an inspiration for investigative reporters, take heed). And when you narrow down a search, interview.

 

They get to ask you all sorts of personal questions and touch personal places. You are at least entitled to knowing what their specialties and areas of interest are. Are they experts on chemical addiction, sleep apnea or whatever else you are struggling with?

 

It is natural for human beings to trust those they are more familiar with.  This doesn’t mean you should know what Little League team their kid plays on.  It means that you can sleep soundly after taking your medication or giving it to your children. In addition, it is the best way to ensure that you will not need to find a lawyer you can trust.

 

Although finding one of those would certainly make the news.