Picking a New Doctor: Tips for Young Adults
If you’re a college student, getting an annual exam during summer vacation from the same doctor who gave you vaccinations in your airplane pajamas is slightly embarrassing but pretty common. What’s the point of finding a new doctor when you’re away at school when your family doctor already has all your records, knows your medical history (and your family’s), and still spoils you with pats on the head and lollipops? But when you graduate and move away from home on your own, you’ll have to take control of your health care strategy, which includes getting your own insurance and finding the right primary care physician.
Going to the doctor by yourself is kind of scary, even in your early 20s, and especially if you’re letting yourself be so vulnerable in front of a complete stranger. That’s why it’s important to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and meshes well with your expectations and personality. If you can, start by asking friends or even trusted coworkers for recommendations. If you live in a town that’s new to you but was the hometown of a college friend, as his or her parents to put you in contact with their doctor. If you don’t have any recommendations to rely on, do a quick Internet search on a site like the WebMD physician directory, which directs you to certified doctors — including specialists — in your area. Make sure you check with your health insurance to find a doctor that’s approved for your network, too.
If you’ve found a few doctors that you’d like to visit or learn more about, check their ethics and criminal history on the Administrators in Medicine page. Its search engine is free for the public to use.
Don’t be afraid to call up a doctor’s office and tell the receptionist that you’re looking around for a new doctor and want a few questions answered. Ask about office hours and availability or access during emergencies, payment plans, how referrals to specialists work, and even what the average wait time is. Set up an appointment for your annual check-up and get a feel for the office and the doctor’s professionalism and personality. If you feel very uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to shop around for another doctor, maybe one who still gives out candy.
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This entry was posted on Monday, January 12th, 2009 at 11:15 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
