Be The Better Provider

I recently had a not-so-great experience with a healthcare provider from the Patient perspective.

After waiting over half an hour past the scheduled appointment time to actually see the Doctor, she spent at most 10 minutes providing ‘care’. Her entire attitude came across as if she had already made her conclusions before even meeting us. She spoke quickly, acted quickly, and left no room for questions.

It was evident that she had gotten behind schedule, she felt like we were a wasted appointment, and she treated the entire encounter as such.

I felt completely disgusted when we left the office. And truth be told, had no interest in scheduling the follow-up appointment she wanted.

Here’s the thing…

Leaving that appointment made me reflect intrinsically on my own healthcare career.

Am I attentive to my Patients?

Do I approach evaluations with preconceived notions?

Do I gaslight? Or do I present all the options and research clearly?

Do I leave room for questions?

Bottom line: do I meet my Patients needs, or do I demand my Patients fit into my schedule?

If you’re a healthcare provider, there is one key mindset that will set you apart as a provider: We cannot demand that our Patients modify themselves to fit our needs, productivity standards, or schedules. We have to modify ourselves to meet their needs.

It’s not their fault we’re running behind, have a lot of notes due in one day, or feel tired. They’re here because they’re looking for help, support, and care in order to regain their quality of life. If you were in their shoes, I guarantee you would want your provider to treat you with respect, compassion, and patience.

If you ever experience a negative Patient:Provider experience, let it motivate you to be the better provider. Be the one who modifies yourself to meet the needs of your people. Be the one who treats this career as a means of helping and caring for others more than a means of income. Be the one who is set apart. I guarantee your workdays will feel brighter.