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7 Questions To Ask Your New Doctor

Date: 06/18/18

There are lots of reasons you might have a new doctor. Maybe you’ve moved to a new town, or maybe your doctor has moved away. Whatever your reason, you want to make sure you’re choosing the right doctor for you and your family. Your doctor is your partner – he or she will be working closely with you to get healthy. So it’s important to choose the right one.

You should know that it’s okay to ask questions. It shows the doctor that you are engaged in your care and your health, and that you want the best care possible. It also gives the doctor a chance to talk to you about the kind of care he or she can offer. Knowing this will help you decide if this is the right doctor for you and your family.

These seven questions should be at the top of your list as you decide on a new doctor:

1.    Which hospitals do you work with? Think of what might happen if you need surgery or have to go the hospital. You need to know which local hospitals the doctor works with.

2.    How do you remind your patients about care and appointments? Think of how you want to be reminded of things like appointment times. Do you prefer email reminders and text messages? Do you want mailed reminders? Knowing how the doctor reaches out to patients may help you make a decision.

3.    Are you available after hours? Think of what you will do if you get sick when the doctor’s office is closed. You need to know when the doctor is available.

4.    How quickly can I get an appointment? Think of what you will do if you get sick suddenly. Knowing how long you might have to wait to get an appointment can help you decide if this is the right doctor for you.

5.    Do you have any experience with _____? Think of any chronic conditions you might have, like diabetes or asthma. You need to know if the doctor is experienced in caring for those conditions.

6.    Can I bring someone into the exam room with me? Think of your family needs. If you have a small child, or if you are the caregiver for a loved one, you may need to be able to bring someone into the exam room with you. You need to know if that’s okay with the doctor.

7.    If you are not available, who will I see? Think of what will happen if the doctor is out of town or called away for an emergency. You need to know if there’s another doctor on staff that will be able to care for you.

Need help finding a new doctor?

As a Louisiana Healthcare Connections member, we can help you find the right doctor for you and your family. Our Member Services team can provide you with personalized assistance finding a doctor near you. Just call 1-866-595-8133, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

You can also use our free, online Provider Locator tool to find a doctor in your area. You can find the tool here.

Once you’ve found your new doctor, be sure to get those important health screenings that will help you stay healthy! And don’t forget: we’re also here to help you get to your doctor once you’ve chosen one – just let us know you need a free ride to your appointment.