Ever feel a bit lost on your journey to managing autoimmunity? Well, it’s akin to navigating through stormy seas, and your doctor should be more than just a passenger on this voyage; they should be your helpful navigator. If you notice some warning signs with your current health provider, it might be time to consider a change. Check out these 7 red flags that could mean it’s time to find a new doctor:

The “My Way or the Highway” Attitude 🚦

Ever feel like your health decisions are being made without your consent ¹? If your health provider’s approach is more dictatorship than partnership, it’s a glaring sign that it might be time to find a new doctor. Don’t hesitate to explore new horizons and seek a physician who values your input.

The Mind Reader 🔮

Is your doctor reading your mind or assuming your symptoms are just imaginary? Newsflash: They’re not auditioning for a psychic show. You need someone who listens, not someone who jumps to conclusions ². If you’re stuck with a mind-reading physician, it’s a sign that it might be time to find a new doctor who believes in your experience and listens without making assumptions.

Old School, Cool… Not So Cool 🕰️

Fashion trends aren’t the only things that evolve. Medicine does too! If your doc’s treatment plans are stuck in the ’80s, it’s time to trade up for a more trendy doc open to new and holistic methods ³. Embrace the future of healthcare and consider finding a new doctor who aligns with the latest advancements and embraces a more modern approach to autoimmune management.

The Speed Dater 🏎️

Fast appointments might work for speed dating, but not for your health. If your doc is always rushing, it’s time to slow things down. You deserve more than a quick chat – you deserve a comprehensive discussion, from your lab panels to your dietary options ⁴. If you find yourself on the fast track with your GP, it’s a signal that it might be time to find a new doctor who values quality over speed.

Lab Test Limbo 🧪

You’re not a lab rat! If your doctor treats you like one, it’s a red flag. You need a doc who sees beyond the printouts and appreciates the art of medicine, not just the science ⁵. If you’re stuck in lab test limbo, it’s a clear indication that it might be time to find a new doctor who values your holistic well-being.

The Ghost 👻

Is your doctor harder to reach than a celebrity at a private party? If you feel like you won the lottery every time they respond, it’s time to find someone who’s there when you need them. Being stuck with a ghost-like health provider is a signal that it might be time to find a new doctor who prioritizes communication and is readily available for their patients ⁶.

The Over-Eager Interrupter 🗣️

Your health story is worth telling without interruptions. If your doctor can’t resist cutting in more than a broken GPS, it’s time for a better listener. If you’re dealing with an over-eager interrupter, it’s a sign that it might be time to switch to a new doctor who values your narrative and listens attentively ⁷.

Time for a Change 🔄

If these red flags sound familiar, it’s time to make a change. You have the power to find a healthcare partner who truly gets you! Shop around, trust your instincts, and let’s navigate this autoimmunity adventure together! Finding a new doctor who aligns with your needs and values is the first step towards a healthier, happier autoimmune journey.

Have your own doctor drama stories? Let’s swap tales and conquer the healthcare rollercoaster as one united thriving tribe at BrightlyThrive, the Autoimmunity Community™! 🚀🌈 Don’t be shy – share your experiences, and let’s support each other in finding the right healthcare partner. It’s time to #thrivetogether!

Resources:

^{1 Informed Consent | AMA-Code. (n.d.).} 

^{2 England, N. (2023, December 21). NHS England.}

^{3 N. (2023, October 2). A holistic approach to integrative medicine. Mayo Clinic Press.}

^{4 UpToDate. (n.d.). UpToDate.} 

^{5 Egnew, T. R. (2014, July 15). The Art of Medicine: Seven Skills That Promote Mastery. AAFP.}

^{6 Find the Correct Provider for You. (n.d.). WebMD.}

^{7 The Power of Listening: Mindful Communication in Healthcare » Mayo Clinic Connect. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic Connect.}