Looking for a New Doctor? 5 Questions to Find the Right Fit
Finding a new healthcare provider can be so hard.
But finding the right doctor – one who listens deeply, holds your goals as the guide, and works with you as a partner in your health journey – can make all the difference.
Many healthcare providers, including myself, offer free meet-and-greet sessions for folks to ask their questions and see how they might be able to help.
Here are five questions to ask a new potential healthcare provider to see if they’re the right fit for you.
1. Do you have experience treating someone with my condition (or specific set of symptoms)?
This is particularly important if you have been diagnosed with a rare, complex, or chronic condition.
2. Do you have experience working with someone who shares my identity?
For example, I identify as non-binary and it is my strong preference that my healthcare providers have previously or currently provide care for other non-binary or trans patients.
Feeling comfortable, understood, and seen for who you are by your provider is crucial for building open communication, and trust, and providing the highest level of care.
3. What is your treatment style?
There are a wide range of treatment styles, some practitioners utilize pharmaceuticals, natural supplementation, homeopathy, botanical medicine, acupuncture, and so many others.
Getting clear on the type of modalities or treatment styles you are looking for is important to make sure that you find a practitioner that also uses those methods. For example, if you’re looking for a natural approach and the provider you’re considering only uses pharmaceuticals, you might not be a good fit.
4. What payment options are available?
Some practices are insurance-based, and others like mine are cash-pay.
If you’re really vibing with a provider and you want to work with them, but it’s out of your budget, ask them if they have sliding scale spots available.
5. When is your next availability?
Unfortunately, 6-month to year-long waits aren’t uncommon, particularly for specialists.
If you cannot wait or need more immediate care, it may be best to look for someone else.
Likewise, if you can afford to wait, add yourself to their schedule and ask if they have a cancellation list.
Finding a provider that you trust and feel comfortable with is the ultimate goal. By asking these questions, you can be one step closer to finding a healthcare provider who is the right fit for you.
Are you located in Arizona, Washington, DC, or Vermont? I’m accepting new telemedicine patients. Schedule your free consultation here.
