Dr. Jeffrey Gaber practices internal medicine and leads Dr. Gaber & Associates, a medical practice located in Baltimore and Pikesville known for providing patient-centered care. Dr. Gaber provides tips to help individuals seeking competent, trustworthy doctors to improve their likelihood of having better patient-doctor experience.
Personal Recommendations and Doctor Referrals
Reach out to people you know who can offer advice.
“I think probably the number one way [to find a new doctor] is word of mouth,” said Dr. Gaber.
He used the example of a relative who is a satisfied patient of a doctor who shared information about a medical practice with someone else.
Additionally, doctors’ referrals are another way a patient who needs a primary care doctor can find one. For example, if a woman who visits a gynecologist mentions to her specialist that her primary care needs are not being met, he or she can offer suggestions.
“They’ll give some names of people,” said Dr. Gaber.
Assess Satisfaction and the Patient Experience
Consulting social media pages and reviewing starred ratings contained in online reviews are increasingly common ways to assess the doctor-patient experience. However, Dr. Gaber did not speak favorably about relying on this method to find a primary care doctor. Ratings and comments could be influenced by trivial matters, such as a secretary who did not smile. However, Dr. Gaber added that this rating system can put pressure on the doctor and staff to make a good impression on the patient, as they do not know if they will be making a statement online.
Assessing personal trust and comfort with a primary doctor is of greater importance than reading online reviews. Dr. Gaber stated that patients once interviewed their prospective doctors. A 10 or 15-minute billable appointment to meet in person allowed the doctor and patient to learn about each.
“You don’t see that too much anymore,” said Dr Gaber.
First appointments offer patients the chance to assess how they feel about the doctor and whether the services were rendered professionally. The patient can consider if their questions were properly answered; if the level of difficulty being seen in a timely manner is appropriate for the type of health issues or concerns; if the type of insurance is accepted by the doctor’s office; and if the doctor did the right thing medically. After the appointment, patients should evaluate their doctor experience and the doctor’s bedside manner.
“That’s very important to a patient. What was their gut feeling? They liked you or they didn’t like you,” Dr. Gaber said.
Doctor-patient Communication
Communication can include in-person, telephone, email, and the patient portal.
“Hopefully, the doctor communicates even when you’re there in person, explains things to you, and takes time and maybe writes it down,” Dr. Gaber stated. “Communication is really, really important, especially in primary care. That helps to develop trust and teaching.”
If a patient was dissatisfied about something that happened or an experience with staff, Dr. Gaber said that he wants to know about it. Doctors should be informed by patients, so they have a chance to solve the problem. Giving a doctor a chance to respond is an important and fair step in maintaining the doctor-patient relationship.
Take Proactive Measures to Support Good Health
Dr. Gaber advises patients to stay on top of their routine physical and not wait till they are sick to see their doctors. Do not let years pass by as health matters such as cholesterol can worsen. Dr. Gaber used heart disease as an example of an illness that can likely be highly preventable.
Embrace a healthy lifestyle to address overall well-being.
Diet, exercise, weight management, not smoking cigarettes, wearing a seatbelt and embracing general safety matters are advantageous steps patients can take. Routine medical tasks such as seeing a dentist; an eye doctor; a gynecologist; or getting a colonoscopy are various routine checks that people need, depending on their age, sex and other variables.
“They should be proactive,” Dr. Gaber concluded.
Dr. Gaber & Associates is committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Learn more via https://drgaber.com.
