Choose a woman. Ask for an interview. Ask all the questions you can think of. Write them down during the time before the interview. Bring your bottles of prescriptions. But choosing a woman PCP is critical.
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 4, 2023
@carissadennery I identify as female and I had a male internal medicine physician for my primary care provider for many years. He always took his time with me, was up-to-date on the research that pertained to me, and listened to me. I did not realize how important this was until he retired I went through at least 3 different primary care providers until I found someone else who possessed many of the characteristics of the physician I had for so many years.
At my first appointment, I “interviewed” the physician and told him what was important to me and why I had left other practices. It was difficult for me to do that but I figured what did I have to lose? That was 4 years ago and he is still my doctor.
I suggest that you write down what is important to you when working with a primary care provider. Ask your friends and family who they see and if they work well with their PCP and what they like about their PCP. Each of us is different in what we expect from our PCP.
@carissadennery I identify as female and I had a male internal medicine physician for my primary care provider for many years. He always took his time with me, was up-to-date on the research that pertained to me, and listened to me. I did not realize how important this was until he retired I went through at least 3 different primary care providers until I found someone else who possessed many of the characteristics of the physician I had for so many years.
At my first appointment, I “interviewed” the physician and told him what was important to me and why I had left other practices. It was difficult for me to do that but I figured what did I have to lose? That was 4 years ago and he is still my doctor.
I suggest that you write down what is important to you when working with a primary care provider. Ask your friends and family who they see and if they work well with their PCP and what they like about their PCP. Each of us is different in what we expect from our PCP.
Choose a woman. Ask for an interview. Ask all the questions you can think of. Write them down during the time before the interview. Bring your bottles of prescriptions. But choosing a woman PCP is critical.
I have done well with both male and female Doctors. It is their patience and ability to explain in detail things to me that is helpful, and offers suggestions. I will write my questions down, and interview them. That is a great plan. Thank you.
Helen, Volunteer Mentor | @naturegirl5 | Jun 4, 2023
@carissadennery Carissa, That’s a good plan. As you do this would you let me know what questions you come up with? I think what you are doing will be so helpful to others who are trying to figure out who they would like to work with as a PCP.
Please also keep in mind in the US we are experiencing a tremendous shortage of providers. And those practicing have very limited time to spend on patients. Those providers who work for someone are time monitored by their bosses and have a certain number of patients they must see in allotted time frame. The writing down of questions is a great solution. Also, if you can communicate with your provider via email, send them the questions before your visit so they can obtain the necessary info ahead of time. It really streamlines your visit and your provider will appreciate it too.
Please also keep in mind in the US we are experiencing a tremendous shortage of providers. And those practicing have very limited time to spend on patients. Those providers who work for someone are time monitored by their bosses and have a certain number of patients they must see in allotted time frame. The writing down of questions is a great solution. Also, if you can communicate with your provider via email, send them the questions before your visit so they can obtain the necessary info ahead of time. It really streamlines your visit and your provider will appreciate it too.
I do my best to keep that in mind, with their time. Which is why I really like the Chat/Message feature in the Patient Portal. Because some of my questions do not need a visit.
Ingegerd Enscoe, Alumni Mentor | @astaingegerdm | Jun 7, 2023
A PCP today could be a General Practitioner, Family Physician, Internist, OB-GYN and even a Pediatrician.
This physician should be able to diagnose numerous conditions and also be able to manage many conditions. However, after initial management it may be beneficial to refer to a specialist such as Orthopedics, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Neurology, Surgery, Dermatology etc.
It’s unfortunate if they just refer out without much effort- maybe they just don’t know enough or are burnt out.
My advice- don’t stay with someone who doesn’t really seems interested in getting to know you.
I had one superb Internist before I retired and moved. My current Internist is excellent and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, he is VIP. My husband and I both have complicated medical problems and realize the expense is worth it.
I always go in with a list- and I ask all questions. He has really been exceptional in finding the right Specialists for me.
This past year he sent me to a GI who is very knowledgeable and showed interest as well as planning treatment. I had been to Mayo for years but now was rejected. Most recently I got a second opinion in Cardiology and Pulmonary- also exceptional.
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Choose a woman. Ask for an interview. Ask all the questions you can think of. Write them down during the time before the interview. Bring your bottles of prescriptions. But choosing a woman PCP is critical.
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3 Reactions@carissadennery I identify as female and I had a male internal medicine physician for my primary care provider for many years. He always took his time with me, was up-to-date on the research that pertained to me, and listened to me. I did not realize how important this was until he retired I went through at least 3 different primary care providers until I found someone else who possessed many of the characteristics of the physician I had for so many years.
At my first appointment, I “interviewed” the physician and told him what was important to me and why I had left other practices. It was difficult for me to do that but I figured what did I have to lose? That was 4 years ago and he is still my doctor.
I suggest that you write down what is important to you when working with a primary care provider. Ask your friends and family who they see and if they work well with their PCP and what they like about their PCP. Each of us is different in what we expect from our PCP.
What do you think of my suggestions?
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5 ReactionsThat sounds like a great plan. I have to write everything down anyway when I go to my appointments, since I will forget to ask if I don't. Thank you!
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2 ReactionsI have done well with both male and female Doctors. It is their patience and ability to explain in detail things to me that is helpful, and offers suggestions. I will write my questions down, and interview them. That is a great plan. Thank you.
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@carissadennery Carissa, That’s a good plan. As you do this would you let me know what questions you come up with? I think what you are doing will be so helpful to others who are trying to figure out who they would like to work with as a PCP.
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionRedo: "Choosing a woman PCP is my recommendation."
Please also keep in mind in the US we are experiencing a tremendous shortage of providers. And those practicing have very limited time to spend on patients. Those providers who work for someone are time monitored by their bosses and have a certain number of patients they must see in allotted time frame. The writing down of questions is a great solution. Also, if you can communicate with your provider via email, send them the questions before your visit so they can obtain the necessary info ahead of time. It really streamlines your visit and your provider will appreciate it too.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI do my best to keep that in mind, with their time. Which is why I really like the Chat/Message feature in the Patient Portal. Because some of my questions do not need a visit.
What problems should a PCP be able to diagnose? It seems to me that I only get referrals to other doctors from my PCP.
A PCP today could be a General Practitioner, Family Physician, Internist, OB-GYN and even a Pediatrician.
This physician should be able to diagnose numerous conditions and also be able to manage many conditions. However, after initial management it may be beneficial to refer to a specialist such as Orthopedics, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Hematology, Neurology, Surgery, Dermatology etc.
It’s unfortunate if they just refer out without much effort- maybe they just don’t know enough or are burnt out.
My advice- don’t stay with someone who doesn’t really seems interested in getting to know you.
I had one superb Internist before I retired and moved. My current Internist is excellent and very knowledgeable. Unfortunately, he is VIP. My husband and I both have complicated medical problems and realize the expense is worth it.
I always go in with a list- and I ask all questions. He has really been exceptional in finding the right Specialists for me.
This past year he sent me to a GI who is very knowledgeable and showed interest as well as planning treatment. I had been to Mayo for years but now was rejected. Most recently I got a second opinion in Cardiology and Pulmonary- also exceptional.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions