A successful doctor-patient relationship is built on strong communication. Patients need to verbalize their concerns and be open about their medical history. Doctors need to communicate with their patients to make them feel comfortable, and to offer effective options for treatment. Communication does not just mean talking – listening is just as important, if not more-so. It can be incredibly frustrating if your physician is not listening to you. In this article, we are going to talk about what to do if your physician is dismissive of your pain or medical concerns.

Why Some Doctors are Dismissive

Let’s talk first about the possible reasons why your physician may be dismissive of your concerns. Here are a few situations that may cause a doctor to be dismissive of a patient:

• The doctor believes the patient is lying in order to gain something or feed an addiction. For example, a patient who complains about severe pain just to get a prescription refilled.
• The doctor is simply having an off day. Doctors are people too and they have bad days just like anyone else.

These are just a few possible scenarios. Whatever the situation, your doctor should not be dismissive of your concerns.

Finding a Physician who Listens

Creating a healthy and long-lasting relationship with your physician is essential to great care. That relationship has to be built, first and foremost, on communication. You need a doctor who listens to your medical concerns and provides constructive feedback regarding your treatment options.

Remember that listening needs to be a two-ways street. It’s important that you listen to your physician’s recommendations as well. Before you begin searching for another doctor, take an objective look at the situation and make sure you are listening as well.

If your doctor is not listening to your concerns, first bring the issue up with them. If this fails to remedy the situation, it may be best to start looking for another doctor who can provide you the compassionate care you deserve.

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