Are you looking for a doctor? Has your health insurance changed this year and is your doctor not on their list? Maybe you are looking for a doctor with a different practice style or approach. Perhaps you have never had a consistent or regular doctor.
Everyone should have a primary care provider (PCP). PCPs are family practice physicians, internal medicine doctors and pediatricians. Ideally, a PCP is a consistent doctor throughout your life that strives to know everything about your health. They function to coordinate your health care with specialists, hospitals and ancillary services (i.e., physical therapist, occupational therapy, counselors). PCPs look at the “big picture” in reference to your long-term health care needs. They treat acute illness and chronic conditions, while also focusing on preventative health care and age appropriate screening.
The best way to find a good doctor is “word of mouth,” not a phone book or online. Ask a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member for a referral – who do they see and why?
If your selection is limited by an insurance plan, ask for a list of approved doctors. Next, call a few offices on the list and ask for a “get acquainted appointment.” Most offices offer this service. It is a free, 5 to 15 minute appointment with the doctor. It allows you to see the office location for convenience to work and/or home, meet the office staff and talk with the doctor. This brief visit enables you to learn about the doctor’s (or clinic) practice style and philosophy. This appointment can help ensure comfort and compatibility before making an official appointment and transferring confidential medical records.
10 ways to help you select the right doctor
1. You can receive an appointment to see your doctor in a timely manner; acute illness the same day or within 24 hours; chronic illness, conditions and physical within a few weeks.
2. Appointments are never rushed. Your doctor always seems to have time to talk and address your medical and/or emotional concerns.
3. Prescriptions medications are routinely processed in a timely manner; within 24 to 48 hours.
4. The supporting medical staff is always pleasant, courteous and professional.
5. You are seen as an active participant in your health care decisions – a team member.
6. The doctor remembers “you” during the appointment, and you are not just another case or number.
7. Follow-up appointments are offered and scheduled. You are reminded of the importance of scheduling yearly physicals and age appropriate screening tests.
8. When you make an appointment to see your doctor, you are not repeatedly seen by a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.
9. Your doctor can admit to your when he or she does not know the answer to your health question or medical concern, and will refer to the appropriate specialist. The sign of a good doctor is one who knows their limitations – no single doctor can know everything about “medicine.”
10. The doctor will support your decision for a second opinion.
Dr. Linda Petter of Auburn is a weekly feature on KOMO TV/News Radio in Seattle (1000 AM & 97.7 FM) every Sunday live 7:45 a.m., and a columnist for the Auburn Reporter. Dr. Petter is chief of the Department of Family Practice at St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way. She is a consumer health care advocate, and her books, “Healthcare On a Budget” and “Common Medical Sense,” are available on www.amazon.com. Please visit her website, docforall.com, or call her office 253-568-0841.
