Is Your Doctor Right for You?

There was a time in America when patients saw the same doctor for whatever ailed them — from the time they were born sometimes to the time that they died. That’s not the case today. A 2022 report by Accenture pinpoints the various reasons why patients today change providers more often and concludes that people are switching providers more frequently than they did even just five years ago.

The importance of being with the right doctor

Finding a doctor who makes you feel respected and heard is important so that you feel comfortable sharing all of your symptoms and concerns. Without this information, your doctor can’t effectively treat you.

When looking for a primary care doctor for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to choose someone you can trust, who listens to your opinions and concerns, who encourages you to ask questions, who explains things in a way you understand, and who advocates for you.

The right doctor will help you stay healthy by recommending preventive services, like screening tests and vaccines (shots), considering your physical and mental health implications, referring you to a specialist when you need more help with a specific health issue, answering any questions you have about your health, and giving advice to help you build healthy habits.

Does this sound like your doctor?

Signs it might be time to switch doctors

Perhaps this hasn’t been your experience with your doctor. Perhaps when you’re at your doctor’s office you feel rushed and unheard. Perhaps it appears like your doctor has given up on your care and is not willing to try alternative medicines or treatments to help you get better. Or perhaps your doctor doesn’t take the time to thoroughly explain options to you.

Poor communication between providers and patients is, unfortunately common. It can take many forms. If your doctor interrupts you while you’re talking, doesn’t make eye contact when speaking with you, or doesn’t give you the chance to ask questions, you’re experiencing poor communication.

Other signs that it might be time to switch is if it’s becoming increasingly difficult to see your doctor.  It might take weeks to get an appointment. And then once you’re in the office, you might have to wait a long time before the doctor sees you. Most importantly, you might consider switching if you or your loved one simply isn’t getting better.

Of course, sometimes it’s not your choice to change healthcare providers. The decision may be outside of your control, such as when your doctor retires, moves to a practice across town that’s no longer convenient for you, or is no longer covered by your insurance. Sometimes your health condition may change, and you realize you need someone with different skills and experience.

How to find a new doctor

Whether it’s your decision or the decision has been made for you, if you’re in the market for a new doctor, here are a few tips to help you find one that’s right for you or your loved one:

• Make a list of what attributes matter most to you.
• Ask for recommendations from people you know.
• If you’re looking for a new doctor because yours is retiring or moving, ask your current doctor for a recommendation.
• Check with your insurance company. Some insurers have websites that allow you to search for doctors near you and learn a bit more about their backgrounds.
• Use one of the many available online doctors’ rating sites to read their reviews.

Questions to ask to find the doctor that’s right for you

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospective new doctors, take the time to do a little homework. This is about your health, making it an important decision that deserves a bit of research. Some questions you might want to consider include:

Doctor qualifications

• Is the doctor taking new patients?
• Does the doctor have experience treating your specific medical condition(s)?
• Does the doctor have experience working with EEOICPA patients and helping with the claim approval process?
• Does the doctor have special training or certifications?
• Is the doctor Board-certified? In what field?
• Which hospitals does the doctor use?
• Is the doctor part of a group? If so, what are the qualifications of the other doctors who also might provide care?
• Can the doctor (or member of the practice group) be reached 24/7?
• Is the doctor in a covered insurance network?

Office

• How far away is the doctor’s office?
• What is the parking situation? How far away?  Paid or free?
• How accessible is the office? Are there elevators?  Ramps for wheelchairs?
• Can lab work and x-rays be done in the office building?
• Does the office send appointment reminders?
• Can the office be reached by phone, text and email?

Appointment scheduling

• How long does it take to get an appointment?
• How long are individual appointments?
• Are same-day appointments available?
• When are standard office hours? Are evening or weekend appointments available?
• Are virtual appointments an option?
• What is the average wait time once in the office?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• How are urgent requests handled?

Your rights when you leave your doctor

You have the right to change doctors whenever you want for whatever reason. You do not owe anyone an explanation. If you don’t want to, you don’t even have to tell your doctor’s office that you are changing, although it often makes it easier to get your medical records and background information transferred to your next doctor if you tell your current doctor you’re leaving and where you’re going.

Regardless of how you handle the communications with your current doctor, you have the right to request your important documents and background information, including:

• Copy of your medical records.
• A status report of the condition your doctor is treating.
• Prescription refills to last you through the transition.

In addition, you can also request delivery of your medical records and notes to your new provider.

The idea of changing doctors may seem scary at first. But finding the right one for your needs is worth the effort.

The Cold War Patriots Help Center is available to help you better manage your health, connect you with the right professionals and help ensure you get all the health benefits you earned as a nuclear defense worker. Please call 855-230-1339 or email us at [email protected], Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. mountain time.