Health care providers are neither omniscient nor omnipotent. The only way that they can understand what's going on in your body is by getting an accurate picture from you of what your state of health is. A thorough health care provider will want more information from you, not less. Be communicative with your provider(s) about any therapies you are currently or have recently been engaged in.

When considering beginning a relationship with a new provider, do check their medical license status and history via the links at DoctorScorecard. I once had a dentist recommend a course of gum treatment that sounded extreme to me at the time but, when I questioned whether I needed to have such an extensive (and costly) procedure done, I was told that I would have to find a new dentist if I did not. I found a new dentist. When I discovered the credential lookup service a few years later and looked up that dentist's credentials, I found that there had been disciplinary action taken for recommending unnecessary procedures. Today, looking up a provider's credentials is a routine part of pre-care exploration for me.

If a health care provider treats you with disrespect, dismisses your concerns out of hand or threatens to withhold care if you do not unquestioningly take whatever course of treatment they suggest, consider whether or not that particular health care relationship is worth pursuing.

What considerations or relational tools have enhanced your relationships with health care providers?