On my last post I listed some questions to ask your new PCP. Today I’ll mention some of the things I would look for at the doctor’s office even before I meet with the physician.

The doctor relies upon his office staff, and the caliber of that staff dictates the service you will receive and some aspects of the quality of medical care as well. After all, it is the receptionist who will set up your appointment when you call in, and you will rely on her judgment. So rather than thumbing through magazines or checking your e-mails in the waiting room, I suggest you pay attention to a few things:

1. Is the waiting area clean and orderly? While the magazines may not be the most recent issues, does it look as though someone takes pride in maintaining a professional appearance?
2. How courteous is the staff on and off the phone with other patients?
3. Do they gossip about patients?
4. Do they seem to be interested in helping the patients?
5. Are they purely business-like or do are they more personable?
6. Do they talk about other patients who aren’t present so the patients waiting can overhear? If they use identifying information and discuss personal health information this is a breach of confidentiality.  They may be talking about you someday in front of one of your neighbors.
7. Do they keep to the schedule or at least inform the waiting patients when the doctor is running late?
8. When you are brought into the exam room, does the nurse take the time to listen to you and answer your questions?

Now that I have you thinking along these lines, I’d be interested in some other things you look for in a doctor’s office. Please send me your thoughts so I can add to this list. Next time I’ll talk about how to prepare for a visit to your doctor including how to describe your symptoms.

For Your Health – Dr. Bob

Your first visit with your new PCP is your chance to see if this doctor and his practice are right for you. It’s always a good practice to make a list of your questions and concerns before any visit with a doctor, but there are a few more to have answered as well as some observations to make during this initial visit. In this post I’ll mention some of them, and on the next I’ll talk about some observations you should make. So before you go, make that list and be sure to take it with you:

Questions to Ask

· What’s the waiting time for a routine appointment? These are typically non-urgent follow-up visits for chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.

· How does the doctor handle acute illnesses like sore throats, the flu or back pain? Can you have an appointment the same day you call or will you be sent to an emergency room or urgent care center? Remember most insurance requires you to pay a higher copay when you use an emergency room instead of going to a doctor’s office.

· Are his office hours flexible enough for your schedule?

· How does the doctor handle calls after hours? Does he have other doctors with whom he shares call?

· Which hospital does the doctor use? Is it convenient for you should you need hospitalization?

As you get these answered, you’ll have a chance to gauge how well your new doctor relates to you and you to him. In my next post I’ll mention the kinds of things you will want to look for at the doctor’s office.

For Your Health – Dr. Bob