Dr. Stemmler's Common Sense Medicine Basic Check List

For Patients When Evaluating A New Doctor

CRITERIA

YES

NO

After you have chosen your Dr. as carefully as you choose your car,

1- You call and hear a human voice (no fumbling with an electronic menu)

2- The person is charming, helpful and accommodating

3- You are able to obtain a timely and convenient appointment

4- When you arrive, you are noticed and welcomed right away

5- The office environment is quiet, pleasant and nurturing

6- The office staff is attentive, competent and caring, and they smile

7- Your waiting time is reasonable; you are notified if it is longer than expected

8- They address you discretely, and preferably by your name and title

9- You are asked if you wish to be weighed, without imposing on you

10- The examining room is cozy and attractive, and it has a window

11- The powder room is located inside the office, not in the hall

12- The Dr. has reviewed your information before seeing you

13- The Dr.’s demeanor is humble, compassionate, and cheerful

14- The Dr. introduces him/herself and shakes hands with you

15- The Dr. sits down, smiles and makes eye contact with you

16- The Dr. speaks in the 2^nd person with you, rather than using “we” to address you

17- The Dr.’s history and exam are thorough, caring and competent

18- The Dr.’s diagnoses make sense and are clear to you

19- You are offered alternative treatment options besides orthodox ones

20- If urgent treatment is recommended, is it a life-threatening condition?

21- If a particular drug is considered for your treatment, is it safe?

22- Are you made fully aware of the treatment’s benefits and adverse effects?

23- If hospitalization and or referrals become necessary, are you given choices?

24- Can you contact patients with a similar condition treated by this Dr.?

25- Have you obtained a second opinion? A 3^rd opinion?

26- Have your test results been reported on time and without hassle?

27- Are your questions being answered without feeling rushed?

28- Have you done your own research?

29- Do you fully trust the Dr.?

30- Have you listened to your gut, your inner wisdom, your intuition?

If you answer 80% (or higher) of these questions affirmatively, you are off to a good start and you are also in charge of your own health care, a major determinant in accomplishing good outcomes

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CRITERIA	YES	NO
After you have chosen your Dr. as carefully as you choose your car,
1- You call and hear a human voice (no fumbling with an electronic menu)
2- The person is charming, helpful and accommodating
3- You are able to obtain a timely and convenient appointment
4- When you arrive, you are noticed and welcomed right away
5- The office environment is quiet, pleasant and nurturing
6- The office staff is attentive, competent and caring, and they smile
7- Your waiting time is reasonable; you are notified if it is longer than expected
8- They address you discretely, and preferably by your name and title
9- You are asked if you wish to be weighed, without imposing on you
10- The examining room is cozy and attractive, and it has a window
11- The powder room is located inside the office, not in the hall
12- The Dr. has reviewed your information before seeing you
13- The Dr.’s demeanor is humble, compassionate, and cheerful
14- The Dr. introduces him/herself and shakes hands with you
15- The Dr. sits down, smiles and makes eye contact with you
16- The Dr. speaks in the 2^nd person with you, rather than using “we” to address you
17- The Dr.’s history and exam are thorough, caring and competent
18- The Dr.’s diagnoses make sense and are clear to you
19- You are offered alternative treatment options besides orthodox ones
20- If urgent treatment is recommended, is it a life-threatening condition?
21- If a particular drug is considered for your treatment, is it safe?
22- Are you made fully aware of the treatment’s benefits and adverse effects?
23- If hospitalization and or referrals become necessary, are you given choices?
24- Can you contact patients with a similar condition treated by this Dr.?
25- Have you obtained a second opinion? A 3^rd opinion?
26- Have your test results been reported on time and without hassle?
27- Are your questions being answered without feeling rushed?
28- Have you done your own research?
29- Do you fully trust the Dr.?
30- Have you listened to your gut, your inner wisdom, your intuition?