Finding a new doctor can be difficult, and very scary. Being prepared can make the whole experience much easier on you, and on the new doctor. Remember that the doctor works for YOU, and if you are uncomfortable, then you are free to keep searching for someone else. The best doctors are ones that spend time with you, listen to your concerns and take them seriously, and be willing to work with you to find the treatment that is best for you. If you find that the doctor is NOT listening, NOT spending ample time on a thorough exam, or NOT taking you seriously, run the other way!!
For your part, the best thing you can do is write up your medical history.
You should include:
- Any conditions you have and when they were diagnosed
- Your current medications with the dosages
- Past medications and why you no longer take them
- Any allergies you have and what happens with them
- Any treatments you are currently on (C-PAP, physical therapy)
- Your surgical history with dates
- A list of your doctors with phone numbers and addresses
- A list of recent radiology tests and the dates, and where they were done
- The date of your last bloodwork
- A list of all your current complaints, no matter how small, with the approximate dates they started
Other things you should bring with you:
- Insurance card or information
- Necessary insurance referrals
- Driver's License
- Your medical records from previous doctors, if you have them. Otherwise, contact all of your doctors in advance and request that they mail or fax them to the new doctor. You will need to fill out a release in order for them to forward them. These should include all test results and doctor notes.