Getting Started
Choosing a Doctor You Can Talk With
Finding a primary doctor( or primary care doctor) whom you feel comfortable talking with is the first step in good communication and can help ensure your best possible health care. This doctor gets to know you and what your health is normally like. He or she can help you make medical decisions that suit your values and daily habits. Your doctor can also keep in touch with other medical specialists and health care providers you may need.
If you don’ t have a primary doctor or are not at ease with the one you currently see, now is the time to find a new doctor. Whether you moved to a new city, changed insurance providers, or had a bad experience with your doctor or medical staff, it is worthwhile to spend time finding a doctor you can trust.
People sometimes hesitate to change doctors because they worry about hurting their doctor’ s feelings. Most doctors understand that different people have different needs and know that it is important for you to have a doctor with whom you are comfortable.
Primary care physicians frequently are family practitioners, internists, or geriatricians. A geriatrician is a doctor who specializes in older adults, but family practitioners and internists may also have a lot of experience with older patients. Here are some suggestions that can help you find a doctor who meets your needs.
Decide What You Are Looking for in a Doctor
A good first step is to make a list of qualities that matter to you.
?
Ask yourself if it is important that your doctor:
* Is a man or a woman? * Speaks your language?
* Has an individual practice or is part of a group?
* Has evening or weekend office hours?
* Has a conveniently located office with adequate, free parking? Has an office in a building with an elevator? On a bus or subway route?
* Accepts your insurance or Medicare or Medicaid?
* Supports clinical research?
* Is associated with a specific hospital or medical center?
* Is board certified? In what field?
After you make your list, go back over it and decide which qualities are most important and which are nice, but not essential.
2 Choosing a Doctor You Can Talk With