• IT JUST DOESN ’ T FEEL RIGHT : It ’ s essential that patients trust their physicians , feel confident in their doctors ’ abilities and current knowledge , feel heard , can communicate openly without judgment , and feel safe in their provider ’ s care . If you don ’ t have this experience with your doctor or just have a gut feeling that it isn ’ t a good fit , listen to your instincts . When it comes to your health , you need to do what ’ s best for you .
How to find a new physician
Once you decide to leave your current healthcare provider , you should begin your search for a new one immediately , even if you don ’ t need to see one right away . It ’ s often several weeks to several months for new patients to be seen . After your new patient visit , future appointments are typically scheduled in a reasonable timeframe . When calling around , you might want to ask what is typical for scheduling appointments once you become an established patient .
Before you begin your search , jot down the reasons you ’ re leaving your current doctor . This can help you avoid those same problems in the future . Then make a list of what you want or expect from your new physician .
The first crucial step in your search is to narrow it to providers who take your insurance . Otherwise , you won ’ t be covered or may have to pay more out of pocket for your visits . On the other hand , if you can change insurance if necessary , you might consider physicians outside your insurance network .
Your insurance provider can help you search for physicians and practices with whom they have an agreement . You can narrow your search to fit your criteria . Then contact doctors ’ offices directly to determine if they are a good match for you and accepting new patients .
Once you ’ ve found a good fit , check your state ’ s online licensing board website . Most providers can continue practicing despite problems in their history , including malpractice . If the doctor you ’ re considering comes from another state , check that state ’ s licensing board as well . You can also do an internet search for the doctor to see what information is available or read reviews . Online reviews are unreliable , however , for many reasons . So don ’ t put too much weight on them .
Also , there ’ s no harm in trying out a new physician , or a few , before making a final decision . If the doctor doesn ’ t end up fitting your needs , you can always continue to your search . Just be careful not to overdo the trials . You want to have a physician who knows you and your history , especially if you have particular health concerns . Seeing the same doctor will help ensure consistency in your treatment . Not to mention changing doctors can be a bit of a process because you ’ ll need to transfer all of your health records and complete new patient paperwork .
WHEN IS IT TIME TO SEE A SPECIALIST ?
Your primary care physician may not be able to meet all of your particular needs , therefore , requiring you to seek a specialist . The process of finding a specialist is similar to that of finding a new physician . However , you can also get recommendations or a referral from your primary care doctor . If you ’ re confident in your doctor , this may be the best way to find a specialist you can trust .
Some conditions or situations for which you might want to see a specialist include :
q more complex chronic conditions q rare or unique diseases or conditions q a life-changing diagnosis
q conditions that require specialized surgery or intervention
q certain health conditions , such as cancer
q symptoms that aren ’ t getting better or have returned repeatedly
In addition , if you are a senior with multiple chronic health conditions or have health concerns related to your age , you may be better served by seeing a specialist . In this case , you might want to see a geriatrician instead of , or in addition to , your primary care physician .
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