7 Tips for Choosing a Primary Care Doctor

more active in the community, and represent other Lupus Warriors with my voice.

D-MARS: Talk about this year’s walk to help end lupus. KIKI: We are excited to announce that this year’s walk will take place on the campus of Texas Southern University (TSU) on Saturday, May 7th at 8 am. The Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast looks forward to showing the strength of our Lupus Warriors along the Tiger Walk of TSU. In addition, the top fundraising teams will enjoy an awards dinner the night before the walk, where we will also vote on the winners of the “This is Lupus” student scholarship competition within the TSU School of Communication. Dr. Rockell Brown, Associate Professor in the Radio, Television, and Film Department in the School of Communication at TSU is helping to spearhead this effort. Registration for the walk is free. To sign up and join a fundraising team, visit our website at www.lupus.org/texasgulfcoast.

D-MARS: Kiki, share with us how representing this organization supports and encourages young people with lupus. KIKI: My greatest hope is that my involvement in the Lupus Foundation of America – Texas Gulf Coast will encourage young people with lupus to become aware and spur them to make changes within their community. Too often, within our culture, we are either misdiagnosed or not diagnosed because we don’t have regular physicals or checkups. As someone with lupus who is still relatively young, I’ve had several reality checks within my lifetime and can emphasize and sympathize with those recently diagnosed. I want to be a listening ear, a voice, and a face that represents all Lupus Warriors throughout their journeys.

D-MARS: What do you find people are still unaware of when it comes to lupus? KIKI: Many people are unaware of what lupus is and that it is an autoimmune disease. It is not cancer but an autoimmune disease that affects everyday living. Of the nearly 1.5 million people living with lupus today, over 60% are people of color (Black, Brown, or Asian). Despite losing 2,500 Lupus Warriors each year, the disease remains one with few medical options and no cure and is difficult to diagnose. Most Lupus Warriors wait five to seven years to receive a diagnosis. Those statistics are different for people of color in that they have been shown to wait nearly 15 years for their diagnosis. The status quo is not acceptable, and we are working to improve diagnosis rates and support systems for people with lupus. Anyone can get it – men, women, and even children – across any race, color, or creed.

D-MARS: Is there anything else you want to share with our readers? KIKI: There is a purpose for myself and for my kids. We are here despite going through extremely traumatic experiences. Never stop fighting because you’ve been given a diagnosis. Your time has NOT run out! A diagnosis is just the beginning of the fight! You can join the fight against lupus, lifting yourself and others up as well!

HEALTH 7 Tips for Choosing a Primary Care Doctor

By d-mars.com News Provider

How well does your primary care provider know you? Do they see you at least once a year? Maybe during these last few years, when health has been at the forefront, you renewed your efforts to see this critical caretaker more regularly.

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.

That intimate knowledge can help make a big difference to your health. Studies show that people with primary care providers are more likely to get preventive services, including cancer screenings, and report significantly better overall health outcomes.

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 seven tips to help you choose the right primary care provider.

1. Ask around

The first step to finding a great provider: Talk to your family and friends about their provider. A recommendation from someone you trust 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

Once you've identified possible candidates, check whether they work with your health plan. If you have traditional Medicare, call the provider's office and ask if they accept Medicare patients. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, 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.

Finally, check to see whether your provider is board-certified through the Certification Matters site, which the American Board of Medical Specialties maintains, to make sure they're keeping up with the latest developments in their fields.

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. Ask about logistics and virtual appointments

Ask questions. How does the office handle prescription refills? How do they let you know about test results? Can you email your provider or schedule appointments online? Will the office call to remind you if you're overdue for an annual screening?

You might also ask whether they offer same-day appointments and how long patients typically sit in the waiting room.

Ask whether the provider conducts virtual appointments, and how easy they are to schedule.

6. Keep your needs in mind Every person has unique health needs, and those needs change as people age. Ask your provider about their specialties or areas of interest. For example, a physician who specializes in sports medicine may not be the best choice if you are not a serious athlete. But 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.

And if you have multiple complex medical issues, you may benefit from seeing a geriatrician. Geriatricians specialize in the care of older patients.

7. Trust your gut

Your primary care provider is going to be a problem-solver and an important advocate for your health. It's critical that you trust them and feel comfortable asking questions.

3. Do a quality check

Chances are you wouldn't hire someone to make repairs in your home without doing a little research into the quality of their work. So why would you choose a provider without doing the same?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check with your insurance company to see if they have any information about the quality ratings of specific primary care providers in your network. You can also 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.

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.