Tips for Choosing a Primary Care Doctor
A primary care provider is more than just a provider. Over time, he or she learns the nuances of your medical history, your reaction to medications, your health goals, your lifestyle, your treatment preferences and whether a caregiver is supporting you in managing your health.
Dr. Philip Painter, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement says, “As we get older, our needs change and our functional ability changes. It’s nice to have someone who knows you guide you through the health care system as that happens.”
Painter provides the following tips to help you choose the right primary care provider.
1. Ask around
Talking to your family and friends about their providers is a good way to identify a highly skilled, helpful physician. But remember: Every person is different. Just because a provider was perfect for your neighbor or best friend doesn’t mean they are right for you.
2. Make sure you’ve got coverage
Check whether possible candidates work with your health plan. If you have traditional Medicare, call the provider’s office and ask if they accept Medicare patients. Otherwise, call your insurance provider or check your plan’s website to see if the provider is in network. Most plans charge more if you see a provider outside the network, so it’s important to take this step before scheduling an appointment.
3. Do a quality check
Check to see whether your provider is board-certified through Certification Matters, which the American Board of Medical Specialties maintains, to make sure they’re keeping up with the latest developments in their fields.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can use the Physician Compare tool on Medicare.gov to see if your provider has participated in any activities that indicate they provide high-quality care.
4. Place a cold call
Painter advises that patients call a potential provider’s office for a first impression of the practice.
“You can tell a lot by the phone etiquette of the office staff,” Painter said.
5. Keep your needs in mind
Ask your provider about their specialties or areas of interest. For example, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, you may want to look for a provider with a special interest in diabetes care. Those are things to ask when you make that first call or do your research.
6. Trust your gut
Your primary care provider is going to be a problem-solver and important advocate for your health. It’s critical that you trust them and feel comfortable asking questions.
After your first appointment, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends you ask yourself the following:
- Do you feel at ease with this provider?
- Did the provider show an interest in getting to know you?
- Did they answer all your questions?
- Did they explain things in a way you understood?
If something seems off, trust your instincts and look for a new provider who is a better fit. You should be comfortable with whomever you choose.