The world of healthcare can seem daunting. There are primaries, specialists, insurance, medicines, and tele-healthcare, just to name a few categories. We tend not to think of choosing a doctor until we’re in need of one, but when it comes to your health, your everyday health, choosing the right doctor for you could be life-changing.
Insurance and Coverage
Before diving right into names, be sure to check with your insurance company first and foremost before choosing your doctor, says health.gov. Being covered for wellness visits and certain procedures will not only help your wallet, but put your mind at ease. Call your insurance company to ask for a list of doctors in your network or use their searchable website. It’s always a good idea to double-check and call the doctor to confirm as well, says the article. If you do not have health insurance, health.gov can help. A couple of other questions to consider asking while you’re on the phone are if the doctor is taking new patients if they have hours that can accommodate you, and how long it will take to get an appointment in general. Even if the doctor might not accept your insurance, he/she may offer affordable options if you pay with cash—it never hurts to ask. Now, with that stuff out of the way, you can move along to picking the right doctor for you.
Your doctor should always be respectful of you and your needs, physically and mentally, says Healthline. Pick a doctor you can easily talk to and listen to your concerns and questions in response. Medical terms and complicated diagnoses can feel out of your control, so make sure you choose a doctor who explains things the way you can understand, says the article.
Your family and friends are also an excellent resource when it comes to picking a great doctor, says Healthline. Rave reviews and well-liked doctors are things to pay attention to, says the article. You can also ask other trusted medical professionals for their opinions such as a pharmacist, dentist, physical therapist, or ophthalmologist. They will be able to steer you in the right direction.
If you have specific concerns, make sure you choose a doctor that can address them. Look for a board certification in the area of your need, says Healthline. If your doctor has taken the extra step in certification, it means they are experts in this field. You can also search for board-certified doctors on The American Board of Medical Specialties database, says the article.
Hormones
Choosing a doctor for your specific issues is the biggest concern to keep in mind. Women who are dealing with perimenopause, menopause or have hormone questions will also need to be seen by an OB/GYN – a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system, as the hormone therapies are likely to impact your reproductive organs and a good OB/GYN would be paramount for any woman’s healthcare, says the Mayo Clinic. An OBGYN may be in the best position to help guide you through HRT (and potential consequences), especially those intimately related to hormone issues. Your physician should be equipped to see both the big picture, as well as the details like hormones and how they may be impacting you. Some OB/GYN doctors have additional experience, training, and certifications in the use of bio-identical hormones.
There are so many doctors to pick from when it comes to your health. Listen to your friends and family for recommendations, but also listen to yourself. What you are comfortable and happy with is always the best choice. In short, your doctor should care about your health and well-being. A wellness doctor who can look ahead, support your optimal wellness, and keep your best interests at heart is a keeper. Learn more about how to choose the best wellness doctor straight from Dr. C’s podcast here.
