The ‘caring’ quiz

Caring about a patient’s health more than the patient does is an unhealthy co-dependency that sets you up for burnout. How can you tell if you care too much?

Answer “yes” or “no” to these 10 questions:

1. I feel a twinge of anger when patients miss an appointment or disregard my care recommendations.

2. I adjust a new patient on the first visit because I hope it will produce some immediate relief and validate my subsequent recommendations.

3. I get frustrated when I see patients engage in health-sabotaging behaviors.

4. From time to time I’ll change our regular office procedures if I suspect the patient will complain or leave.

5. When a patient mentions that he’s unhappy with his progress, I often feel responsible and become defensive.

6. When the patient delights in the results she’s enjoying, I’m inclined to think it’s due to my unique approach.

7. When patients unexpectedly drop out of care, I suspect that it’s because of something I forgot to say or do.

8. I make myself available evenings and weekends in case patients should need me during non-office hours.

9. I allow patients to run up large outstanding balances because I’m uncomfortable confronting them about payment.

10. I refer to them as “my” patients.

Up to five “yes” answers and you’re definitely on the clingy side. More than five “yes” answers and you’re allowing an unsustainable draw on your emotional checking account that will bankrupt your own health.