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Discover a skilled physician by asking THESE queries.

In a frightening reality for many, medical professionals in Germany commit mistakes daily, occasionally with severe outcomes.

SymClub
May 17, 2024
2 min read
NewsDoctorTreatmentPatientErrorAdvisor
A pair of scissors was forgotten in a patient's abdomen during an operation
A pair of scissors was forgotten in a patient's abdomen during an operation

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A list of items to be checked or completed. - Discover a skilled physician by asking THESE queries.

Problem: not all clinics are qualified for every procedure. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (61, SPD) is introducing a new "Federal Clinic Atlas" on May 17. The goal is to give patients information about the services clinics offer and the quality of treatment.

Patients can already do

Many individuals feel helpless, especially before undergoing general anesthesia during an operation, as they temporarily give up control. Many also feel uneasy during other treatments.

Patients can only exert limited control over treatments and operations. Most people are medical amateurs and rely on the doctor's intelligence, experience, diligence, and skill.

Careful selection of doctor and clinic

▶︎ Find the right doctor!

Ensure the doctor clearly explains your diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and treatment risks to you in terms you can understand. Allow you to ask questions and provide ample time for deliberation. Do they treat patients with statutory or private insurance? This matters because a doctor with statutory health insurance must undergo regular further training. Do they refer you to colleagues with more expertise in specific areas or do they consult with them? Do they accept your seeking a second opinion? Do they follow up with you after treatment?

▶︎ Choose the right clinic, don't just pick the nearest one if it's not the best option.

Does the clinic specialize in a particular field of care? Does it have a department for your specific diagnosis? Do the doctors there have experience with co-occurring health issues (like diabetes)? How many staff are there? Are the treatment methods up-to-date? How often does the clinic perform surgeries?

▶︎ Find out who will be operating on you. If necessary, ask repeatedly who will be performing the surgery and if that will remain the case.

Appropriate preparation

▶︎ Proper markings: Verify that the markings on your body are correct before the surgery.

▶︎ X-ray review: Check the abbreviations on your X-ray images: are the left or right labels correct?

▶︎ Discussion about anesthesia: Ensure the anesthetist spends enough time on the preparatory discussion. Do they explain technical terms to you?

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Source: symclub.org

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