If you’ve dealt with Parkinson’s for any length of time – or even if you’ve just been diligently poking around this site – you likely understand that it takes a collaborative effort between patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to manage the disease. A strong, communicative care team can significantly impact quality of life.
However, if a specialist shows a tendency toward certain behaviors, it may be a strong signal that it’s time to seek a new provider. Learning how to recognize these red flags early can help ensure you continue to receive the best possible care.
What kinds of issues should you be on the lookout for?
They Dismiss Your Involvement in Care Decisions
Your insights as a patient or caregiver are invaluable. If a specialist consistently shuts down your questions or concerns, or otherwise dismisses your desire to be actively involved in the care process, it may indicate a lack of respect for your role in managing the disease.
Effective care is a partnership. Your voice needs to be heard and considered.
They Don’t Make Any Adjustments to Your Treatment Plan
Parkinson’s disease is progressive, and treatment plans should evolve accordingly. If your specialist maintains the same regimen without considering changes, especially if you experience new or worsening symptoms, it could suggest:
- they’re not closely monitoring your condition, or
- they’re not open to adjusting the approach as needed.
Neither one of those things is acceptable. You can certainly broach this topic with them to try to learn their reasoning, but if it continually feels like they’re blowing you off or being stubborn, it might be time to look elsewhere.
They’re Not Team Players
PD care often benefits from a team approach, including neurologists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Your specialist should not only be referring you to other professionals if they’re not already part of your Circle of Care, they have to be willing and able to coordinate with the rest of the team.
Fail to do that and they both limit your access to comprehensive care and support and run the risk of utilizing treatments counter to what the rest of your team is doing. This has the potential to seriously harm the effectiveness of your treatment.
They Have Inconsistent or Poor Communication
No matter what part of your care they’re responsible for, clear and consistent communication is crucial. If your specialist is difficult to reach, takes an extended time to respond to inquiries, or provides unclear explanations, it can hinder your ability to manage the disease effectively.
They Don’t Seem Informed on Latest Treatments
Parkinson’s research and treatments are continually evolving. Even a year of not paying close attention can leave a provider behind, still pushing ideas and care that the rest of the Parkinson’s world has moved beyond – or ignorant of exciting new treatments that could make a significant difference for you.
Simply put, a specialist who is not up-to-date with the latest advancements, clinical trials, or emerging therapies may not provide the most current options available for managing your condition.
They Rush Your Appointments
It’s never pleasant when a medical appointment feels hurried, with little time for discussion or questions. You might feel dismissed or frustrated, like the provider doesn’t really care about your thoughts and your experiences. But there’s something even worse: rushed appointments can reflect a lack of thoroughness in your care.
Parkinson’s management requires detailed attention to various aspects of health, and rushed visits can lead to missed opportunities for optimal treatment.
They Disregard Non-Motor Symptoms
Trouble with movement is the first thing many people think about when imagining Parkinson’s disease – but you don’t have to imagine it. As someone with direct experience, you’re well aware of the fact that there are all kinds of possible effects and symptoms.
Issues such as depression, sleep disturbances, and cognitive changes have all been associated with PD, and every single one of them can be significant. A specialist who overlooks or minimizes these non-motor symptoms may not be addressing the full scope of your health needs.
If you experience any of these red flags, it may be time to consider finding a new Parkinson’s specialist. Your health and well-being are paramount, and partnering with a provider who values your input, stays informed, and collaborates effectively can make a significant difference in managing the disease and providing you with the best possible quality of life.
