If you have your choice between getting sick and needing to see a doctor, vs. seeing a doctor every year in hopes of more health days, wouldn't you want to be healthier more often?
You probably would agree being healthier is better than not, but if you don't already have a doctor so you can set up periodic appointments, tracking one down that works for you can be an intimidating process. We've tried to arm you with some questions that you can ask, to help better find a doctor that fits you and your needs.
Checklist of Questions to Ask
The following checklist is a good place to start. You'll find our suggestions may prompt your own questions, so add them to the list as well.
Questions to ask a potential primary care doctor
- Do you accept my insurance? Here are the insurance companies Nebraska Medicine doctors accept, although you should still verify the exact doctor you intend to see takes your insurance.
- What hospital(s) and/or clinics do you practice at or send patients?
- Will you be able to care for my children or parents?
- I am looking for a doctor who really wants to help me stay well, not just treat issues I have. Could you share your philosophy on patient care?
- What are your regular hours at each location you practice? Are they different than the office hours for your clinic?
- How quickly can I get an appointment to see you when something comes up?
- If you're on vacation, do you have partners who back you up?
- How often should I see you for regular care?
- If I get sick and need further testing, what is the process? Do you contact me with results?
- Could you talk about your referral network, in the event I need to see a specialist?
- Do you try and stay involved in my care in the event I'm handed off to a specialist?
- How will I be notified about preventative tests and screenings relevant to me?
Questions to ask yourself after your first visit
- Am I comfortable with the doctor's office staff?
- Were my questions answered?
- Did the doctor take sufficient time with me? Did I feel rushed?
How often should you see your primary care doctor?
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Females should see their providers every couple years starting at age 18. Specifics should be determined by their doctor on an individual basis
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Males ages 18 to 39 should see their doctor every 3 to 5 years. Ages 40 to 49, every 2 to 3 years. Beginning at age 50, every 1 to 2 years
Why You Should Have a Primary Care Doctor
An individualized health plan
Your primary care doctor gets to know your family history and risks, and will tailor an individualized health plan for you based on your history.
Keeping your preventive tests on schedule
Your primary care doctor will also ensure all of your general health care maintenance is handled – things like annual exams, lab tests and preventive screenings. These are tests that can easily be forgotten if no one is keeping track of them. It's through these preventive screenings that your doctor can catch potential problems early and prevent them from becoming more serious or life-threatening. Preventing a health problem now is much better than having to overcome one later. Your primary care doctor will help you make the right health choices to keep you and your family healthy.
Your primary care doctor has many of your health needs covered
A good primary care doctor should be able to take care of 85 to 95 percent of your health care needs. The goal is to get to know your doctor before you really need him.
Better long-term health benefits
Studies suggest that access to primary care through family physicians is associated with improved health outcomes, lower mortality rates, reduced emergency department use, decreased rates of preventable hospital admissions, better coordination of chronic disease care and higher patient satisfaction.
Providing valuable oversight during times of severe illness
Having a family doctor overseeing your care from the big picture perspective is important since he or she is familiar with your medical history and can ensure nothing important is overlooked.