Health Matters: Seven Tips for Choosing a Primary Care Doctor By Our Town Gwinnett Staff
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 is to 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 he or she is 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. 3. Do a quality check Chances are you wouldn’t hire people 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. 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 appointContinued on page 21
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