Finding a New Doctor

What happens when you have to shop around for a new doctor after you have seen the same one for years and are comfortable with? Moving closer to your kids or the old insurance switcheroo can put a bind on your regular doctor-patient relationship. While the task may seem daunting at first, you can use the following guide below to help you pick a new doctor that will best fit your lifestyle and needs.

1. Make a grocery list of things that you expect your new doctor to have. List desired character traits, preferred location and even gender. You will also want your new doctor to be on your insurance plan. Listening to your problems and adequately answering your questions is an important trait to have. Your doctor should be easily accessible. Does he have convenient office hours? Can you park easily and get to the office?

2. Choosing the type of doctor you need is the next step. If you are relatively healthy with no major health issues, you can choose between a family practitioner and even a general practitioner. Internists typically are good choices for older adults as they cover a broad spectrum of health concerns.

Of course, if you do have some health concerns like diabetes or hypertension, you will need to have a specialist. Your insurance will dictate whether or not you must list a primary care physician first before you can get to the specialist. Determine what the rules are for this with your health insurance.

3. Seek recommendations from your current doctor, family, friends and even nurses. If you are locating to a whole new area, you will want to visit the local hospital to seek guidance on a new doctor. Local area medical services often provide referrals of doctors too. Research such entities as the American Medical Association for doctors in your new area.

4. Once you have narrowed down your doctor list to a few choices, set up appointments with each. Treat the appointment as sort of a dress rehearsal or informal interview. You can get feel of the doctor’s bedside manner, his professionalism and even how efficient his office and the nurses are. Make sure that your insurance is accepted and find out the process of medical claims and other administrative issues.

Gauge your doctor’s experience with specific health conditions and find out about his professional affiliations, training and even hospital and clinic associations. All of this information should help you choose a new doctor.

5. Once you have made the move to your new doctor, be sure that you transfer you entire medical history to them. Either your old doctor can mail them or you can get a copy and bring it yourself. Make sure that the doctor’s office receives them before your first official appointment so that the doctor has time to review your medical history and general health.

All of the steps are logical processes that just seem overwhelming at first. However, by tackling one step at a time, you will have a new doctor that you can feel comfortable with and trust in no time at all.