Think about all the time and research you did when you were looking for a car. Or when you hired an accountant. Or bought anything online. Compare that experience with the time you took to research and explore doctors. On which decisions did you spend more time?
For most patients, finding Dr. Right Now is more important than finding Dr. Right. Chances are you know more about how to buy a house than you do about selecting the right primary care physician or a medical specialist. In this case, “right” is less about finding a “good” doctor (versus a “bad” one); it’s more about compatibility and comfort level. Can you be yourself? Does the doctor provide enough information to calm your nerves? Do you feel empowered to make your own health choices?
Finding a doctor in Siouxland: Questions to ask yourself.
Before you can begin your search for a good doctor-patient fit, you have to know what you are looking for. Consider the following:
• Do you have a gender preference?
• Do you prefer a doctor with more experience or a doctor who is open to newer methods and techniques?
• Do you prefer a doctor with similar life experience (military, parent, athlete)?
• Does where the doctor went to school matter to you?
• How do you prefer to communicate with your doctor?
• What do you consider to be good, attentive care?
• How important are referrals and reviews?
• Would like your doctor to have a certain medical special interests (like allergies or women’s health)?
• Do they need to be affiliated with a preferred hospital center?
Understand that no answer is a wrong one; ultimately this is about your life and your health. The more comfortable you are with your doctor, the more honest and descriptive you can be about your health concerns and goals.
Finding a doctor in Siouxland: Start the search.
Now that you have a better idea of what kind of doctor you need, you can start researching to find where to find your medical match. First things first, use your insurance company as a guide. You don’t want to find a doctor you love only to discover they are out of network!
You can also ask friends for references and, if you prefer a specific hospital affiliation, you use that community as well. It’s more important to know why and not just who they refer you to. Once you get a few names, get online and start your preliminary research.
• Does the doctor or practice have a website?
• Are they on social media? Do you like how they communicate on that platform?
• How much information is available for each doctor?
• Are appointments easy to make?
• Are they in a good location?
At this point, it’s a good idea to start calling the offices and get a feel for the appointment process. Are you welcomed? Is the conversation friendly? Are appointments handled efficiently? Do you feel like your health and time are respected?
Finding the right doctor in Siouxland: Questions to ask the doctor.
Now that you’re in the exam room or on the phone with your perspective doctor, it’s time to make sure you and your potential doctor can communicate comfortably. Address your health concerns, and ask questions; be attune to how many questions you are asked in return.
Above all, gauge your stress level during the conversation. This isn’t about throwing out a false blood pressure reading (although that can certainly factor in); rather, it’s a question of whether or not you can be yourself. Do you feel listened to, respected, empowered, and engaged?
Questions you can ask your perspective doctor:
• Where did you go to school?
• What is your favorite part about being a doctor?
• How do you feel about homeopathic methods?
• Can I weigh in with my own ideas about my care?
Finding the right doctor in Sioux City is an important part of your health and your life. After all, he or she is a vital partner in your overall care and wellness. How well you communicate and how comfortable you are in the relationship plays a large role in how successful your doctor will be at doing the job you need them to. Take the time to find the right fit. It could be one of the best decisions of your life, and it just might save it.