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Savvy Senior
After living in the same town for 40 years, and seeing the same doctor for the last 25 years, my wife and I are packing up and heading to California to be near the grandchildren. We have the ordinary aging health problems except my wife has had some heart problems and I had colon cancer several years ago. All is well with both of us right now, but we’re worried about finding the right doctors in our new town. Any advice? California Dreaming Dear California, I’m happy to see you looking into this matter so carefully. Most people spend more time shopping for a car or home loan than they spend choosing a doctor, which is a big mistake. With so many choices, finding good medical care these days can be a little tricky. Here are some things that can help. Doctor Who No matter what your health status, everyone needs a “personal doctor,” also known as a primary care physician. This is someone who knows you and your health history and can coordinate your medical care and look after your overall health. Primary care doctors are usually general or family practitioners, internists or geriatricians. Their main role is to: • Provide preventive care and teach healthy life-style choices. • Identify and treat common medical conditions. • Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary. Finding a Doctor Most people find doctors through their friends or coworkers. However, if you’re new to an area, check with the local medical society or contact your hospital of choice for referrals. Here are four other good resources to help you locate a physician: • Medicare: For a list of doctors that accept Medicare visit www.medicare.gov and click on “Find a Doctor” or call 800-633-4227. If you’re covered by a Medicare managed care plan, call your plan’s membership services office for assistance. • American Medical Association: Offers a doctor locating service that provides professional information on virtually every licensed physician in the united States including more than 690,000 doctors. Visit www.ama-assn.org or call 800-621-8335. • American Academy of Family Physicians: A national nonprofit medical association that provides health and medical information and a national doctor directory. See www.FamilyDoctor.org. • Health Grades: A healthcare quality ratings and services company that, for a small fee, provides report-card ratings on hospitals, physicians and nursing homes. Visit www.HealthGrades.com. Choosing a Doctor The best time to choose a doctor is while you’re healthy and have the time to really think about all your choices. If you don’t currently have a doctor or are thinking of changing doctors here are some things to consider: • Certification: Is the doctor board certified for his or her specialty? • Communication: Choose a doctor that listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and explains things clearly and carefully. • Health insurance: Does the doctor accept Medicare or your specific health insurance plan? • Location: Is the doctor’s office easy for you to get to, and where is lab work done? • Waiting time: How long will you have to wait to see them once you request a visit? Also, will they accommodate same-day appointments if you get sick? • Helpfulness: Is the office staff friendly, helpful and good about returning calls. • Paperwork: Will the office staff process your medical insurance claims for you? • Hospital: Which hospital does the doctor use to treat patients? • Fill-ins: Who fills in for the doctor when he or she is unavailable? Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.savvysenior.org.
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