Older adults may have a long-term primary care provider with whom they have developed a trusting relationship over the years they’ve been seeing them. But as we age, we may find ourselves needing a new doctor. They may have retired from practice, your needs as a patient may have changed, you may have different insurance that no longer covers their practice, or your conditions may require the care of a specialist. No matter the reason, odds are good that at some point in your life you will find yourself shopping for a new healthcare provider for yourself or a loved one.
While finding a doctor who can meet your healthcare needs is important, it is perhaps more important to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with. While it may take some time to see multiple different doctors and vet them, it will be well worth the effort it takes to ultimately find and choose a doctor that you both trust and like. Consider asking the following questions when looking for a new doctor.
- What are their credentials and experience?
- What is their approach to both treatment and prevention?
- Will they be comfortable answering questions and providing information about my health and treatment options?
- Do they have good bedside manner and are they approachable and respectful?
- Is their office a convenient location to me, and do their office hours fit in with my schedule?
- How do they handle emergencies, and what are my options should I have a medical concern outside of their hours?