What are some common skills and traits to look for when selecting a new primary care physician for someone 65 years or older?
With every new year, you or your aging loved one may be considering a change in their primary care physician. Based on the specific medical needs, you can search for the right doctor. A good first step in your search is to make a list of skills and traits you want in your loved one's new doctor and office.
Questions to ask yourself or your loved one include:
- Do you want a doctor who’s specially trained to care for seniors?
- Do you want an office that provides several services under one roof?
- Is the doctor going to treat physical and emotional wellness?
- Are you looking for a care team to help alongside the doctor?
- Do you need a primary care network that has many locations in the area that you can easily access?
What are some things you should consider about a potential doctor’s practice and office before scheduling an initial visit?
When you start making your list of potential new doctors, ask your family and friends for recommendations. Be sure to also check your loved one's insurer’s list of participating doctors. This can be helpful especially if they’ve moved to a new area or have a complex medical history and require care from specialists.
Here are a few more practical questions to help identify the right candidates:
- Is the doctor accepting new patients?
- Does the practice accept your loved one's insurance?
- Is the office conveniently located?
- How long does it take to get an appointment?
- If your loved one uses a walker, cane or wheelchair, is the office accessible?
- What days and hours does the doctor see patients?
- Can you make appointments online?
- Who would provide care after hours or when the doctor is out of town?
- Are virtual visits available?
- What are the options for asking the doctor questions?
How important is it for you to establish communication with a potential primary care physician for your loved one? And what are some ways you can get to know doctors and their staff better?
Having good communication with your loved one's doctor is one of the most important steps to getting proper health care. The doctor should be open to getting to know you, the person you're caring for, and what their health is normally like. The better they know your loved one, the better they’ll be at making medical decisions that match their values and daily habits. The doctor should also keep in touch with any other medical specialists and health care providers involved in keeping your loved one well.
Staff members are a good source of information about the doctor’s education and qualifications, office policies and payment procedures. You may also want to set up an appointment to meet and talk with a doctor. This will help gauge to see if you and your loved one feel comfortable around them.
About the Expert
CenterWell Senior Primary Care has doctors and Care Teams ready to work with seniors and their families throughout the Houston community. These doctors spend more time with patients to help foster deeper, more personal patient-physician relationships. CenterWell is all about giving their patients the time, attention and care they deserve.
If you or someone you know is Medicare-eligible and searching for a senior-focused primary care doctor, visit seniorfocusedhouston.com or call 713.348.9261. CenterWell has 14 locations in Houston and surrounding areas with two centers slated to open in Greater Houston in 2022.