Fact Based List:

Brian W. Powers: Five Areas of the Patient-Physician Relationship to Consider When Selecting a Doctor

  1. Communications and decision-making- This is the "anchor" of the relationship, and patient preferences vary widely
  2. Therapeutic approach- For "preference-sensitive" conditions, physician intensity varies
  3. Social and cultural appropriateness- Cultural, religious and other preferences must be considered, along with fluency in a patient's preferred language
  4. Cost and value- What patients will pay out-of-pocket has to be discussed upfront and is a key variable
  5. Practice environment- How long is the wait in the office? Does the practice use electronic health records, and has this been adequately explained? How good is coordination of care?

Source: Digital Journal
Source URL: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2155659