What You Want to See when Looking for a New Doctor

You have a need for a new doctor. It may be because your old doctor is retiring, or leaving the practice; maybe your insurance has changed or your moving out of the area. In any case, when you look for a new doctor, you should use the same care as you would when looking for a new automobile mechanic. The similarities are that you are handing over something precious to them which supports and sustains you - in this situation, your body and health. So when you are looking for a new doctor, look for these signs to see if you are comfortable with your choice.

Listening

Is the doctor listening to both you and your body? When looking for a doctor, know that a reasonably decent physician will take the time to sit down with you and get to know you. This includes your overall health, lifestyle, and concerns. Many practices double book patient visits, or overbook visits to cover down time, but sometimes this backfires. You want to look carefully at the amount of time the doctor is spending with you compared to the amount of time you wait to see them.

Comprehension

Simply put, when looking for a doctor, you want to find one who knows what they are talking about. Yes, they went to school and got a license to practice medicine; but beyond that ask yourself a few questions while at the office. Does the doctor seem to know what the latest practices and advances in his field are? Does she adhere to a certain way of practicing and does she know why? Did she bother to look at your file before seeing you? That last one is important to knowing your actual needs.

Trust

When looking for a new doctor, the most important issue you will have with a new physician is trust. Doctors are people too, with quirks, personalities, and issues like everyone around you. This is where your instinct needs to kick in. If you can't accept the quirks, or something just doesn't feel right about the doctor, find another one. Another consideration, does the physician want to be there? You can tell if a person wants to be somewhere else. If you cannot trust her to have full attention while you are there, important medical concerns may be missed.

Comfort Level

Looking for a doctor you are comfortable with is equally important in your search. Ask yourself if you and the doctor seem to be on the same level. Some doctors are known to be condescending and aloof; they talk down to patients who ask for clarification or explanations. This is a negative sign because you will wind up feeling like you are bothering them by talking about your concerns. You want your doctor to be someone who will explain medical issues in common sense terms and feel comfortable answering questions.

Privileges

This last sign is no less important than the others. When looking for a new doctor you may want to consider a doctor who has "hospital privileges". What this means is that, if you are hospitalized, your doctor can treat you there or at least recommend another doctor there. This also allows the easy transfer of your medical files between the hospital and physician. With this consideration, is the location of where the hospital is. Some doctors have privileges only at certain hospitals. How far away is the hospital your doctor is associated with? Are you willing to travel to a far away hospital?

There should be a good question and answer session between you and the physician over the first two visits so that you, and they, know what you need to know to keep the patient healthy. Looking for a doctor will take time, and work on your part. The main concern is to find one you are comfortable with, you can trust, and are confident in their abilities. You take time to find the proper mechanic, contractor, or child care provider - why would you not take the time when looking for a new doctor?