It takes years of study and more years in practice to become a good doctor, this is even more true if you consider the current state of healthcare systems in different countries. It’s safe to say that qualified doctors don't just happen overnight.

However, some doctors are simply bad news due to several reasons.Most doctors today also have comparable education and credentials, but bad doctors don’t exactly stick out like sore thumbs. He could be unsympathetic, brusque with patients, overworked, disrespectful of other doctors’ opinions, a bad fit for the profession, or out of touch with the latest treatments, and it could become a real problem for you in the future.

It would be best for you to avoid a doctor who doesn’t seem too happy in getting you the best medical experience.


Top traits of a bad doctor you need to keep an eye on

Trust Your Gut Feeling

If you have a feeling that something's off with your doctor, better trust it. Though it may be nothing serious, if it still gives you that uneasy feeling, it’s best to get a new one. No matter what you think causes it, you’d be better off with someone whom you’re comfortable with.

Attitude Problem

You’ll meet some doctors out there who are indifferent or uncaring toward their patients and staff members. Steer clear from those with cold, rude, or dismissive attitudes. Instead, Raymond Rupert suggests opting for a physician who iswarm, interested, and engaged and will take the time to make you feel prioritized.

Look out for fancy degrees, offices, or advertising campaigns as well. These could be conveniently used to mask an attitude problem.

Pay Attention to Errors and Problems

Keep an eye on a pattern of sloppiness, communication problems, and errors as this may suggest something more serious despite hiding in a cool facade. Is your doctor forgetting to return calls, ordering incorrect tests, or neglecting to update a patient’s record? This may not seem like a big deal at first but a series of small errors could end up being life-threatening.

Overtreatment

You might notice your physician to consistently recommend unwarranted tests and procedures. He might just be scared of malpractice claims. Some could even be inexperienced, unsure of their own medical knowledge, or distrustful of their instincts.

At the end of the day, overtreatment will not boost a patient’s confidence and will cause additional expense and inconvenience. This is a red flag, especially if the doctor is offended after you’ve questioned the method.

Outdated Knowledge

When your doctor recommends outdated treatments and therapies, it’s a good sign for you to look for a practitioner who is more in touch with the latest medical developments. This can be more concerning when he refuses to try new, improved techniques despite evidence to back up its claim of being effective and safe.

Ultimately, you’ll want a doctor who sees you as a person and will remain respectful towards you. Does he treat his staff with utmost respect as well? It’s critical for a medical practitioner to have humanity and empathy if he wants to be effective in his field.


Raymond Rupert RCM Health Consultant explains a dedicated doctor is willing to listen to your concerns, takes the time to answer your questions, and ensure that you understand your condition.