Selecting a Doctor And Preparing For Your Appointment

Look for a doctor who:

• Is rated to give quality care.
• Has the training and background that meet your needs.
• Takes steps to prevent illness
• Has privileges at the hospital of your choice.
• Is part of your health plan, unless you can afford to pay extra.
• Encourages you to ask questions.
• Listens to you.
• Explains things clearly.
• Treats you with respect.

Internists and family physicians are the two largest groups of primary care doctors for adults. Many women see obstetricians/gynecologists for some or all of their primary care needs. Pediatricians and family practitioners are primary care doctors for many children.

Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives are trained to deliver many aspects of primary care. Physician assistants must practice in partnership with doctors. Nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives can work independently in some States, but not others.

Doctors and Health Plans

If you already are in a health plan, your choices may be limited to doctors who participate in the plan. But if you have a choice of plans, you may want to first think about which doctor(s) you would like to use. Then, you may be able to choose a plan that has your choice of doctor(s).

Decide What You Want and Need in a Doctor

What is most important to you in a doctor? A few ideas are listed below. Add your own to create a list that will help you choose a doctor who is right for you.

My doctor must be highly rated by a consumer or other group.

My doctor needs to have experience with my condition(s). Research shows that doctors who have a lot of experience with a condition tend to have better success with it.

I want a doctor who has privileges (is permitted to practice) at the hospital of my choice.

My doctor must be part of my health plan.

Make a List of Doctors

• If you are in a managed care plan, check the plan's list of doctors first.
• Ask doctors or other health professionals who work with doctors, such as hospital nurses. .
• Ask family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Contact the Doctors' Offices

When you have found a few names of doctors you might want to try, call their offices. The first thing to find out is whether the doctor is covered by your health plan and is taking new patients. If the doctor is not covered by your plan, are you prepared to pay the extra costs?

Below are some questions you might want to ask the office manager or other staff. You may have some additional questions.

Which hospitals does the doctor use?

What are the office hours (when is the doctor available and when can I speak to office staff)?

Does the doctor or someone else in the office speak the language that I am most comfortable speaking?

How many other doctors "cover" for the doctor when he or she is not available? Who are they?

How long does it usually take to get a routine appointment?

How long might I need to wait in the office before seeing the doctor?

What happens if I need to cancel an appointment? Will I have to pay for it anyway?

Does the office send reminders about prevention tests—for example, Pap smears?

What do I do if I need urgent care or have an emergency?

Does the doctor (or a nurse or physician assistant) give advice over the phone for common medical problems?

You may also want to talk briefly with the doctor by phone or in person. Ask if you are able to do this and if there is a charge.

The next step is to schedule a visit with your top choice. During that first visit you will learn a lot about just how easy it is to talk with the doctor. You will also find out how well the doctor might meet your medical needs. Ask yourself: Did the doctor...

Trust your own reactions when deciding whether this doctor is the right one for you. But you also may want to give the relationship some time to develop. It takes more than one visit for you and your doctor to get to know each other.

Talking with Your Doctor

Research has shown that patients who have a good relationship with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care—and to have better results. Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners.

Give information

• You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
• It is important to tell your doctor personal information—even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
• Bring a "health history" list with you (and keep it up to date).
• Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of those medicines (include when and how often you take them). Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
• Tell your doctor about any natural or alternative medicines or treatments.
• Bring other medical information, such as x-ray films, test results, and medical records .

Get information

• Ask questions. If you don't, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said.
• Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
• You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers.
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help to explain something.
• Take notes.
• Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape recorder to help you remember things. But always ask first.
• Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if you can call later to speak with someone.

Take information home.

• Ask for written instructions.
• Your doctor also may have brochures and audio and videotapes that can help you. If not, ask how you can get such materials.

Once you leave the doctor's office, follow up.

• If you have questions, call.
• If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
• If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
• If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
• If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment.

Making the Most of Your Appointment

Many people are more satisfied with their health care if they share the responsibility with their health professionals. Your health professional is an expert on medical care, but you are the expert on yourself. Often there is more than one option for diagnosing or treating a condition. By being a partner with your health professional, you can help choose the option that best fits your values, beliefs, and lifestyle. You also will feel more confident about carrying out the chosen treatment.

Here are some tips for being a good partner with your health professional:

• Build a relationship with your health professional. Let your health professional know that you want to be a partner in your health care. Tell the health professional what your expectations are.
• Be an active participant in each appointment. Listen carefully to what your health professional says. If you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask questions. Tell the health professional if you do not think that you can carry out the prescribed treatment.
• Prepare your child for tests and exams. Let your child know why he or she is seeing a health professional and what will be done during the visit. Your child's age and developmental level will determine how best to prepare him or her.

What is the reason for your appointment?

During your appointment, you will need to answer some important questions so that you and your health professional can plan your care together. Completing the appropriate forms before the appointment helps you provide correct and complete information, take an active role in your health care decisions, and make the most of your limited appointment time.

Do you take medicines?

If you take prescription or nonprescription medicines, including herbal remedies or vitamins, bring all your medicines with you to any appointment with a health professional. If you cannot bring the medicines, bring a list of the medicines that you take.

What do you need to do after the appointment?

Update the medical records that you keep at home.