Scheduling that first appointment can be tough. The important thing is to be prepared. First off, Doctor's don't like doing new patient appointments. They're tedious and take up more time than a regular appointment. So, knowing that can help with the giant headache you'll have once you're done.
Second, come prepared.You'll usually be required to fill out roughly 10 or so pages of information. Family history, current medical conditions, current medications, and so on. Save yourself some time and the hassle. When scheduling the appointment, request all forms that need to be completed are either mailed, faxed, or picked-up by you ahead of time. That way you can take your time and complete all the forms without distractions from annoying kids in the waiting room, or without having to remember when you had that last physical, the exact dosage of your cholesterol medications, or the name and address of the last doctor you saw some six months ago. Then return them to the office staff as soon as possible for review. This way, once you've arrived for your appointment, usually 6-8 weeks later, they already have all the information and may possibly have requested copies of medical records from your previous Primary Care Physician, plus copies of recent lab results, x-rays, etc. Who knows, the new Doctor may have even found time to read through your paperwork and be somewhat familiar with you and your current health status.
Once you actually are in the exam room or office, you'll begin to feel as though you're experiencing "job interview, DE ja' vue." Relax, you are the one whose interviewing here. Don't forget, you pay for the services they provide, so let them impress you a little.
Do some homework ahead of time. Check out pricing for cash customers as a way to comparison shop. Ask for referrals. Let them know you are checking into other Primary's, and that you haven't made a final decision yet. After all, they're not the only Doctor in town -- probably not the only one in the same building.
Try to be specific about the kind of PCP you want. Make a list of questions and concerns regarding your
health care. Don't generalize. If you have diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, then ask questions specific to care and maintenance for those conditions, plus any other family history health concerns you worry may arise. Use the Internet to help you understand your health conditions, risk factors, and family history. They all play a part in your overall health care plan. Find out what specific needs or concerns you should discuss with your PCP.
My health is the culmination of my life so far: the injuries, surgeries, illnesses, allergies, and family members health conditions, plus my current medical conditions. They all add together uniquely for me. Same for everyone else. There are a myriad of health issues and risk factors to cover with your PCP on this visit. Let the physical wait until another visit.
Last, but not least, ask what Specialists this PCP uses for conditions related to your medical care. For instance, if you have a chronic pain condition, what Pain Management Specialist do they usually refer to, does make a difference. Also, what laboratories and radiological groups they use, can be a factor in to consider. Although, most times this is controlled by either the insurance company or the Physician's group that the Doctor is affiliated with, so your choices may be limited, here.
It may become a choice between a better PCP and not the Specialist of your dreams, or the Specialist that you really want, but less choices when it comes to PCP's. Remember, Primary Care Physicians are just that, your primary contact for medical care. I find most Specialists are equally good, however, if not you can always request that they be added to your PCP's group later on. The important thing is to find someone who understands your medical needs and respects your input on how treatment is administered. find that combination and the majority of your battles are behind you.
Once you've survived all that, I've found most Doctor's are very similar. There are few differences in real care or how they administer the care with their patients. Some have better personalities, while others have kinder, gentler bedside manners, yet in the end, they all march to the same drum. The HMO's and PPO's and the Physician's Groups pretty much tell them how to act/react in any given situation. They primarily diagnose, then prescribe medications, with instructions to follow up in 6-8 weeks, unless symptoms worsen, then call for an immediate appointment or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
After all is said and done, you'll have to decide whether to stay with this PCP, or move on to another. If you've done all the prep work, the choice should be easy. But remember, you can change Doctor's if you feel the standard of care doesn't meet your expectations. Some insurance companies do have restrictions on when and how often you can change PCP's specifically, so read your policy benefits or contact your insurance company.
Get the most out of your appointment by being as prepared as possible. Even though you are paying the bill in the end, do strive to be respectful. We all, after everything, deserve the minimum amount of courtesy.
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