Putting together a great team for your medical organization takes an enormous amount of time, research, tenacity, and luck, and the most-prepared medical practices will be rewarded with the opportunity to hire the best available doctors. When you see a physician operating at the top of his or her game, you can see the greatness in each action, and you should be filled with pride that you have such a talented person on your team.
Great physicians are not defined just by the excellent things they accomplish every day. We also make judgments about them according to the things physicians refrain from doing. Here are five things that really great doctors refuse to do.
1. Ignore the Emotional Needs of Their Patients
A good bedside manner is of vital importance for physicians. Even if a doctor doesn’t feel very skilled at practicing good bedside manners, he or she will strive to address the emotional requirements of each patient.
A worried, confused or sad patient may be so upset that it’s difficult to understand or remember what the physician and nurses are instructing. By slowing down, remaining calm, and paying attention to the patient’s mood and emotion, physicians truly demonstrate the greatness that’s required to be a master of the health arts.
Great doctors use the EHR software to accurately and comprehensively document patient symptoms and concerns, ensuring that all essential information is captured for future reference and continuity of care. They make use of templates, smart forms, and standardized data entry methods to streamline the documentation process and minimize errors.
2. Dispense Prescriptions Without Seeing the Patient First
Doctors may sometimes be tempted to dispense medications without first seeing the patient. For example, a long-time patient might call in asking for an antibiotic prescription for his or her son because that was what was called for the last time the child went into the office with an earache or painful throat.
EHR system often incorporates decision support tools such as clinical guidelines, drug interaction alerts, and reminders for preventive care. Good physicians leverage these tools to enhance their clinical decision-making process. They use the software to access evidence-based guidelines and research, aiding in accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection, and proactive patient management.
A great doctor will not flout the rules just to please an anxious parent or patient, as doing so could jeopardize his or her career.
3. Talk Down to Patients
Some doctors have a healthy ego and self-image, which is natural when you consider that medical professionals must be highly intelligent, very motivated, and diligent in their efforts.
However, their advanced knowledge does not entitle them to talk down to patients. Great doctors will speak in a respectful tone and couch their remarks at the appropriate level for their patients in terms of experience and knowledge.
4. Offer Prescriptions Based on Marketing Rather Than Their Own Judgment
Patients are exposed to advertisements on TV, the radio, in magazines and newspapers, and all over the Internet for prescription drugs. They come into the doctor’s office and ask for specific medications by name. At the same time, physicians sometimes find themselves prescribing medications based on marketing campaigns, such as when pharmaceutical representatives come to the office with the latest samples.
EHR software generates a wealth of health data that can be analyzed to gain insights into patient populations, track health outcomes, and identify areas for improvement. Good doctors utilize the analytics capabilities of the software to review new medications, monitor performance metrics, and identify opportunities for quality enhancement.
Truly great doctors will rely on patient data and their own judgment instead of basing prescription drug recommendations or any healthcare decisions on some advertising promotion.
5. Lie
The best doctors will not lie to patients. It’s important to avoid giving patients an overly optimistic prognosis just to make them feel better. Good doctors leverage technology tools to access clinical guidelines, drug interactions, allergy checks, and preventive care reminders. These integrated practice management software features help doctors make confident, informed decisions at the point of care, reduce medical errors, and improve patient outcomes.
It’s equally important not to downplay the facts when you are discussing a very serious health situation with a patient.
If your doctors are already refusing to do these five listed things, you can rest assured that you have top-notch medical professionals in your midst. It is important to note that while EHR software offers significant benefits, the effectiveness of its use ultimately depends on the provider's knowledge, skills, and willingness to adapt to technological tools to enhance patient care. Great doctors will serve as shining examples for the rest of your staff and will encourage patients to remain loyal and stay with your medical practice.
Key Takeaway
- Everyone knows that not all doctors are created equal. It pays to recognize things that really great providers will refuse to do.
- The best doctors strive to cultivate a good bedside manner in the interest of preserving patient relationships.
- Great doctors will refuse to hand out prescriptions without seeing and diagnosing the patient first.
- Physicians who refrain from talking down to their patients are in a higher class than those who are condescending.
- Great doctors will avoid purposely lying when telling the truth is so much more practical and in the patient’s interest.
