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To learn about a doctor, consider asking questions such as:
* What are your thoughts about treating older patients?
* How do you feel about involving my family in care decisions?
* When I have questions, what is the best way to ask? Do you charge for telephone or email time?
* What are your thoughts about complementary or alternative treatments?
* Do you participate in clinical research or would you recommend a clinical trial for my condition?
See Worksheet 2: Questions to Ask Your Doctor, on pages 41 – 42 for a list of questions to consider when choosing a new doctor.
When deciding which doctor to choose, you might want to ask yourself questions such as:
* Was I comfortable talking with the doctor? Did the doctor answer my questions?
* Was the doctor really listening to me? Did the doctor keep eye contact?
* Could I understand what the doctor was saying? Was I comfortable asking him or her to say it again?
* Is the office staff welcoming, knowledgeable, and helpful?
If you are not satisfied after your visit, schedule a visit with one of your other candidates.
Your First Appointment
Once you’ ve chosen a doctor, make your first actual care appointment. It is best to see your new doctor when your health is stable. Having a physical exam is the ideal way for your new doctor to get to know you. However, health insurance companies generally only pay for a complete physical once a year. In addition to a physical exam, your new doctor may review your complete medical and family history. Be sure to bring your medical records or have them sent from your former doctor. Create a health history that includes your conditions, and the conditions of your parents and siblings, to bring with you. See Worksheet 3: Changes to Discuss, on pages 43 – 44 and Worksheet 4: Concerns, on page 45 for examples. Also bring a list of your current medicines with their dosages and number of times you take them each day. Alternatively, put all your medicines in a bag and take them with you. Use Worksheet 5: Medications, on page 47 to create a complete list of the medications, vitamins, and supplements you take.
Summary
Choosing a Doctor You Can Talk With
• Decide what you are looking for in a doctor.
• Identify several possible doctors.
• Consult reference sources, including those online.
• Talk to office staff to learn more about the doctors you are considering.
• Consider talking with the doctor by phone, online, or in person to discuss becoming his or her patient.
• Make a choice.
Talking With Your Doctor 5