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Doctor isn't responsive?

Page last modified on: September 10, 2008
Question from Folderol: My doctor never returns my calls. She's a great doctor, and I feel like she's giving me good treatment, but I really want someone who's more responsive. What should I do?
Answer —Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.: If you get calls back from the office, from a nurse or nurse practitioner, you should feel confident that your medical questions are being answered appropriately. If the office does not return your calls, it may be something as simple as an outdated phone mail system. Letting your doctor know of the system's failure will help other patients, as well as you.

If you have told people in the office that you want to speak specifically with your doctor, and she is not returning your calls, this is an issue you should bring up with her in person when you can feel calm. We always want to feel as if we're our doctor's only patients. When we have an unresponsive doctor, it can make us feel so vulnerable. Letting her know these feelings will very likely improve your communication with her.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2003, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called The Doctor-Patient Relationship. Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to find the right doctor for you, and how to create and maintain a good, open relationship with your doctor so you can be sure to get all the care and information you need.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H.Jennifer Griggs, M.D., M.P.H. is a medical oncologist specializing in the treatment of breast cancer, with a a special interest in cancer survivorship, patient-physician communication, and quality of care for women with breast cancer.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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