Good doctor-patient relationships are essential to receiving the best healthcare possible.
Patients need someone they can trust and be open with.
Doctors need solid information from patients to do their best.
Both patients AND doctors excel when appointments are a joint effort.
However, circumstances sometimes change and you must begin a search for a new doctor.
In this article, we show you when you need to find a new doctor, ways to find a new doctor, and why it’s important to be selective when you choose a new doctor.
When You Need to Find a New Doctor
Change can be hard.
Lifestyle adjustments, health needs, and modifications in insurance coverage may be contributing factors to deciding to find a new doctor.
Some examples of when you need to find a new doctor are:
- A doctor retires
- The patient or doctor move away from the service area
- Children age out of pediatric care
- Health insurance no longer covers a doctor or practice
- A doctor’s approach no longer aligns with the needs of the patient
- The medical practice office quality erodes
- A specialist is needed
Sometimes it’s difficult to know when you need to find a new doctor. While you know you will have to find a new doctor if you move far away, the need for change isn’t always clear cut. Review your physician needs regularly to make sure you are getting the care you need and the patient experience you deserve.
As a personal example, I went to the same eye doctor for years. The doctor was wonderful. She was thorough, caring, and always made sure patients were matched with the best solution for their lifestyle needs. However, the office was uninformed, poorly run, and experienced constant turnover in personnel. Staff rarely billed insurance properly and gave incorrect information regarding follow up appointments. After years of overpaying and much frustration, I finally went to a new practice where I get great eyecare and enjoy their efficient, knowledgeable staff.
It’s important to remember that patients can “outgrow” their doctors. Children age out of pediatric care. Treatments may resolve healthcare issues negating the need for specialty care. Clinics may no longer provide the range of care options needed.
The doctor-patient relationship is one of the most important relationships we have. Your health and well-being are paramount to a life well lived. Take the search for a new physician seriously to get the best match possible.
3 Ways to Find a New Doctor
Finding a new doctor that is a good match for your needs can be like finding a needle in a haystack. With some planning and persistence, however, you can get the job done.
Think carefully about your healthcare needs before beginning a search. Make a list of what you want in a doctor/patient relationship. Prioritize those needs. The list will help you to express your desires and keep them uppermost in your mind as you search.
Below are 3 ways to begin your search for a new doctor:
1. Ask For Referrals.
Referrals can come from many sources such as friends and family members as well as other healthcare providers.
If you are comfortable doing so, ask your current doctor for a referral. Your current doctor should understand your needs well and suggest a new doctor with an examination style and medical philosophy similar to theirs.
PRO TIP: Ask a NURSE for a referral – nurses have insider knowledge! When I needed a surgeon for an elective surgery, I asked my neighbor, a nurse, for a recommendation. She didn’t hesitate for a second to name a particular surgeon. He performed a successful and uneventful surgery. 10/10 – would recommend asking a nurse for a referral!
2. Search By Medical Group.
If there is an established medical group that you like, contact the office and ask what doctors that are similar to yours are accepting new patients. A well-run office will be familiar with the physicians on staff and be able to recommend a doctor with a similar approach to your current physician.
3. Go Random.
You can throw a dart and see where it lands. If you do this, ALSO follow with a deep search of the internet of this physician. Look at everything – education, board certifications, prior positions, and specialties/interests.
You can read patient reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. Just like a restaurant review, you’re going find everything from “This is the best in the whole entire world!!!!!!” to “Worst experience of my life.” Try to get a feel for the middle ground and any consistent themes that run through the reviews.
Note: Always check health insurance policy restrictions. If your health insurance care plan only pays ‘in-network’ for certain physicians, it will likely be easier and less costly to stay within the stated network. Carefully read your health insurance policy to understand what it does and does not cover. Knowing what a health insurance policy includes can save hours of time, relieve frustration, and save money.
Does the doctor have privileges at all local medical networks? In my area, there are 2 major hospital networks. If you currently have an affiliation with a medical network and want to continue that connection, check that a new doctor has privileges to practice in that network’s facilities. Not all doctors have privileges to practice in all medical locations.
Be Selective When Choosing a New Doctor
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges the U.S. faces a projected shortage of between 37,800 and 124,000 physicians within 12 years.
The American Medical Association attributes the current and coming doctor shortages to early retirement, burnout, and an overwhelming number of responsibilities and tasks. Additionally, the number of Medicare-funded residency positions in which new doctors can train has not increased significantly since 1997.
What does this mean if you’re searching for a new doctor?
- Physician choices may be limited
- There may be long wait-times to see the doctor
- Access may be limited in certain demographic areas (i.e., rural and economically challenged areas)
Collect all the information you can about physician practices and availability in advance. The practice manager should be able to answer these questions for you. It’s desirable avoid unpleasant surprises when it’s time to make the next doctor appointment.
Once you find a physician, ask for a consultation BEFORE the first medical examination. This is a good way to get to know your physician before you’re feeling sick and vulnerable in a sterile patient exam room.
Having met a doctor in person before you get sick also gives both the doctor and patient a foundation for other types of care. Other types of care may include telehealth, electronic communications (i.e., patient portals), and specialist / allied health referrals. Options available for medical care established now may be critical to getting timely care later.
Remember that you are the healthcare consumer.
If you meet with a doctor who is not a good fit, that’s ok. Find someone else. This is an important relationship in your life, so make it a good one.
Conclusion
Patient-Doctor relationships are a critical foundation to a positive, collaborative healthcare experience.
Take the time to reflect on your needs as a patient. What is most important to you?
Do a thorough search for a new doctor using the tools and connections available.
Make sure you are happy with your choice. If not, start the process again until you find yourself in a beneficial healthcare provider relationship.
Good health is the bedrock for living your best life. Take the above steps to get the best physician match for now and the future.
Do you need help knowing what to ask at a doctor appointment? Get our FREE guide, 7 Questions Everyone Should Ask at a Doctor Appointment HERE. !
*Disclaimer: The information provided is not professional medical advice. I am not a diagnostic medical professional, nor am I your diagnostic medical professional. This email is for informational purposes only. Seek the advice of a diagnostic medical professional for all medical matters.
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