The important part of finding a doctor for me is that I wanted a solid relationship between me and my doctor in sickness and in health. I suspect many of you boomers feel as I do and as a result more doctors are becoming involved in prevention. They understand that they are key players in keeping me well.

(Here’s hoping more insurance providers realize it’s less expensive to pay for preventive care than it is to foot the bill for an illness.)

I want a doctor who has skill, compassion, education and a good bedside manner. Two good places to ask about doctors are your friends and family and then ask other physicians including your dentist. A good clue is when you find the same name pop up more than once. The other benefit is that if you find a good physician and her practice is closed, not taking new patients, a request from your dentist or surgeon who fixed your knee, can usually open the door for you.

Experience and Expertise

You want a physician who has some years in practice and has other patients of your age. You may ask about the number of patients in her practice but sometimes a large number can mean patient overload in the practice.

Here are some questions you can ask your doctor:

  • Where did you attend medical school? Do your internship? Residency?
  • How long have you been practicing?
  • What types of conditions are you experienced in treating? (Ex: arthritis, diabetes)
  • Are you board certified?
  • What is your specialty? Do you have a subspecialty?
  • What hospitals are you affiliated with? What hospitals do you have privileges?

Keep in mind that doctors can send patients only to those facilities where they have admitting privileges, so you should know where you would go if you needed surgery.

  • What are your office hours?
  • Can you be contacted outside those hours? How?
  • What insurance plans do you accept?
  • Who takes care of your patients when you’re on vacation?

Finally the style of practice and the personality of the physician have to meld with your approach to life. The chemistry needs to be right.

Let me know if you have other questions that you think we should ask doctors before signing on to their practice. Questions that you wish you had asked are really welcomed!

To your successful journey in health and aging.

Ruthan Brodsky

Healthy Aging Mentor

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Filed under: Conditions and Diseases

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