 |
Finding a new practitioner when you have been seeing your current doctor for years is difficult, especially if you’ve developed a close bond with them over time. However, change can be a good thing. And if you’re open to seeing someone new, you might even click more with them than you did with your previous doctor. But you’ll have to go about looking for them in the right way to ensure you find the right one. From the Vascular Institute of Chattanooga, here’s how.
Plan in advance
If your doctor is planning on leaving or retiring soon, then it may be time to start enquiring about referrals in their network. You should feel a greater sense of assurance that the doctor they choose to refer you to will be a good match for you since you most likely hold their opinion in the highest regard.
Do a background check
There’s nothing stopping you from doing a background check if you aren’t totally sold on choosing one practitioner over another. You could visit the Federation of State Medical Boards website to look up your potential healthcare provider’s credentials and expertise.
Make sure you have your medical records with you
Now might also be the time to start compiling your medical records so that you have all the information you need with you, ready to pass on to your next doctor. If you have lots of medical records to compile, then you should consider using this PDF splitter to converge all your documents into one file for easy accessibility. All you have to do is supply the PDFs, and the software will take care of the hard work for you.
Try for better health coverage
While you’re at it, you might as well do your research when it comes to finding better health coverage, specifically regarding more ‘in-network’ doctors that you’ll be able to take your pick. If you’re a freelancer or self-employed, you might be surprised to hear that you have even more options available. For example, you can get coverage if you’re a member of your local chamber of commerce, through a marketplace, or even through the Freelancers Union. The Freelancers Union is free to join and offers a host of other plans, including dental, disability, vision, and life insurance.
Book an appointment in advance
Before deciding on anyone in particular, book an appointment with them beforehand to find out more about them. This way, you’ll get a feel for what their personality is like, what their philosophies are, and how they run their practice in general.
Take your time
Finding a new doctor is going to take some time. Being open to options and looking outside your usual criteria might also open up new opportunities to doctors you might not have considered before. Moreover, it is about embracing change to find a doctor who has a lot to offer as far as bedside manner, experience, and qualifications.
Searching for a healthcare provider can be scary and intimidating, as is usually the case when meeting new people in general. However, you have to look at all your options, bearing in mind what you can afford to find the best healthcare for you. Remember to take your time, get all of your medical records in order, and look for better coverage – your health is vital, and so is finding a doctor who understands and appreciates its importance.
