How to Choose a Doctor : Part 2

by National Institute on Aging

(Page 2 of 2)

Another option is a Medicare managed care plan. When you enroll in a managed care plan, you choose your doctor from a list of primary care doctors who are part of that plan's network. Your primary care doctor then coordinates all of your health care needs. If you do not choose a primary care doctor, the managed care plan will assign one to you.

In some managed care plans, you can see a doctor outside the network, but it will cost you more money. Also, you may have to pay a co-payment for some services and visits.

Today, there are many different kinds of managed care plans. Their benefits, costs, and rules vary. Be sure to compare each plan and consider the type of insurance (fee-for-service vs. managed care) that is best for you. For information about Medicare benefits, call the Social Security Administration office listed in your phone book. Or call the toll-free Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Finding a New Doctor

Once you have a sense of what you want in a doctor, ask people you know about doctors they use and like. Friends, coworkers, and other health professionals may be helpful. You can make it easy for them to tell you about the doctors they like by asking questions, such as, "What do you like about Dr. Smith?"

A doctor whose name comes up often might be a strong possibility as a choice. It may help to have several names to choose from in case the doctor you select is not taking new patients or does not take part in your health insurance plan.

If you belong to a managed care plan, you can get a list of doctors from the plan's membership services office. Your choices will be limited to those doctors who are part of the plan.

If you need more help finding names of doctors, contact your hospital of choice, local medical society, local physician referral services, nearby medical schools, or university medical centers in your area.

How Do You Make an Informed Choice?

Once you have chosen two or three doctors, call their offices. The office staff can give you information about the doctor's education and training. They also can tell you about office policies, standard insurance the office takes, payment methods, and the doctor's hospital admitting privileges.

You may want to make an appointment just to talk with a doctor before deciding on a final choice. Make sure that she or he knows that you are trying to decide on a doctor. You likely will be charged for such a visit; your insurance company may not pay for it.

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor. For example:

• What age groups make up most of your practice?
• How do you manage patients with lots of health problems? Do you usually treat everything, do you refer patients, or are there some problems older people just have to live with?
• What do you think are the most important preventive care issues for older adults? How do you manage them?
• What's the best way for me to prepare for an office visit with you? For example, should I bring my questions in writing?
• Would you provide your instructions in writing for me?
• May I bring a family member (spouse, daughter, or son) to my office visits with you?
• If I give you permission, are you comfortable talking with my family about my condition?
• How do you involve your patients in health care decisions?
• Do you see many patients with the same chronic health problem that I have (for example, diabetes)?

After the meeting, ask yourself if you felt comfortable and confident with this doctor. Were you at ease asking questions? Did the doctor clearly answer your questions? If you are not sure, schedule a visit with one of the other doctors on your list.

The First Appointment

After choosing a doctor, make your first medical appointment. During this visit, the doctor will probably take a medical history and ask questions about your health. There may be questions about the health of your family members as well. The doctor also will examine you. Be sure to bring your past medical records (or have them sent). Also bring all of the medicines you take with you to show the doctor. Include both prescription and over-the counter drugs, even vitamins, supplements, and eye drops. Make a list of any drug allergies or serious drug reactions you've had. During this visit take time to ask any questions you may still have about the doctor and the practice.

Once you have found a doctor you like, your job is not finished. A good doctor-patient relationship is a partnership. Both you and your doctor need to work together to solve your medical problems and maintain your good health. Finding a medical practice that is well suited to your needs is an important first step. Good communication with the doctor and the office staff is the key.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.