Checklist to evaluate your Doctor's effectiveness in your care team...

Developing an effective relationship with your physician

Use the checklist below to evaluate your relationship with your physician. If your doctor is not currently meeting your needs or expectations, talk with him or her about changes that could improve your level of satisfaction. You are a consumer of your health care, and you should work to ensure that you are receiving the quality of care you deserve.


____ Are you comfortable with your doctor? Does he or she make you feel at ease?


____ Does your doctor understand your personal priorities? Does he or she take them into consideration when making recommendations about your treatment?

____ Does your doctor listen to your concerns and take them seriously?


____ Does your doctor ask you about the impact of symptoms and side effects on your daily life?


____ Is your doctor respectful of your opinion and the opinion of your family caregiver? Does he or she see you and your family caregiver as equal partners in the management of your PD?

____ Does your doctor explain his or her recommendations in a way that is easy to understand?

____ Does he or she give you thorough instructions regarding medications or other treatment options?


____ Does your doctor recommend nondrug treatments in addition to medications (exercise, diet, attention to emotional well-being)?

____ Does your doctor inquire about aspects of your health that fall outside of his or her specialty? Does he or she talk to, or share files with, your other physicians?


____ Is your doctor or a member of his or her staff available to answer your questions or address your concerns between office visits?

____ Does your doctor arrive for your appointments in a timely manner? Does he or she allow enough time for a thorough examination and to answer your questions?

____ Does your doctor educate you about PD on an ongoing basis? Does he or she refer you to additional resources or support groups?

____ Does your doctor encourage you to get a second opinion or refer you to a specialist when appropriate?

____ Does your doctor stay up to date on research findings about PD and new treatment options?

____ Does he or she inform you about clinical trials in which you may be eligible to participate?

*Taken from Moving Forward printed by Azilect


5 |