Finding the Right Doctor & Immunization Requirements for Children

FINDING THE RIGHT DOCTOR

Relocating to a new home is a busy and stressful time. While there are many tasks to do as you get settled, identifying a health care provider is essential. Waiting until you’re sick may force you to turn over serious treatment decisions to a doctor you don’t know and doesn’t know you. As you look for a doctor, keep these attributes in mind: Trust. You must trust your doctor’s advice about your healthcare. Communication. Having a doctor you understand and who understands your concerns is vital. Availability. Your new healthcare provider should be accessible, with his/her office near your new home or your work. In-Network. Is the physician you’re considering “innetwork” for your health insurance plan? Other considerations include: • Is the doctor practicing alone or in a group? • Can he/she admit patients to the hospital you’d prefer? • Does the doctor accept your health insurance? • Does the doctor’s office make telehealth appointments? After deciding on your first choice, inform the staff that this is your first visit. Take with you a list of any medicines you are taking and information about family medical history as well as your own. Following the visit, if you feel compatible with the doctor, have your medical records forwarded to his/her office. If this is not the medical provider for you, make an appointment with your second choice. When you are sick, you are more likely to contact and follow the advice of a doctor with whom you are familiar and have developed a rapport.

Immunization requirements for children

Families new to Tennessee are required to have your child’s immunization records transferred to a Tennessee Certificate for daycare, pre-school, head start, or public schools. Parents may bring your child’s current immunization records to the health department or submit them online. You will be contacted when the certificate is ready to be picked up. The Tennessee Department of Health immunization requirements can be found online: TN.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/.