Five Things to Know When Changing Physicians and What to Look For in a Provider as You Age

Adding more candles to the cake doesn’t always mean more doctor visits. Still, having someone you actually enjoy seeing makes those visits a little less painful.

In fact, having a doctor you trust is key to living longer and living well. If you can stick with the same doctor for decades, that’s wonderful – but if you need to make a switch, that’s OK too.

First, let’s talk about the 5 reasons why you might need to find a new doctor:

1. Location. You’re moving to be closer to the grandkids. Your family doctor is retiring and moving overseas. Or, the practice is moving to a new location that’s 45 minutes away instead of 15. That kind of distance is a deal breaker for some! And sometimes, following a favorite doctor to the ends of the earth, or even just the other side of town, just isn’t an option.
   

2. Insurance coverage and cost. If your insurance coverage changes, or a provider that once participated with your insurance is no longer part of that network, you may have to partner with a new provider in your price and coverage range. Also, it’s important to know that some doctors do not take Medicare. If you have to pay out-of-pocket or go out of network, you may have to consider a new provider that fits your fixed or less flexible retirement budget.

3. Specialization. As you get older, you may acquire new diagnoses or health conditions that require a provider with more experience in those care areas. As good as your long-time provider is, he or she may feel you’d be better served by having someone who’s an expert in the care you need for that diagnosis or condition. 

4. Change in approach. Doctors may stay in practice for decades and still keep the same approach to patient care for the long haul. Other times, providers may learn about different ways of treating certain conditions or illnesses and make these practices part of the way they do patient care. This can be tricky, because even if you still really like your doctor, the new way of doing things might not be your cup of tea. In these cases, you might need to part ways.

5. Change of ownership. Some offices go from being a private practice to becoming part of a bigger health system. This transition may mean changes for patients that aren’t always positive. If the changes aren't working for you, it’s OK to change providers—even if a switch wasn’t something you wanted.

No matter what the reasons, moving on from a doctor that’s been part of your family life and health through births, diagnoses, surgeries, and more is a big deal. It’s normal and natural to feel emotional about it!

Nevertheless, your health matters—and you need someone to cheer you on to be your best healthy self in the later life years. Because turning 65 isn’t for slowing down, it’s for staying strong for some of life’s greatest joys that are still ahead.

Considering a new doctor in this phase of life? Here are 5 qualities to look for:

1. Someone who takes you seriously. Find a doctor that really listens to your concerns and answers your questions with honesty—even if the answer is “I don’t know.”

2. Someone who takes your care personally. Pick a provider who really gets to know you—who learns your name, understands your preferences, and doesn’t act like seeing you is an inconvenience. You want someone who will be proactive, someone who will partner with you to ensure these years are indeed golden.

3. Someone who can see you at convenient times. Providers whose offices have a variety of appointment days and times to suit different schedules just make life better! And if they make scheduling, rescheduling, filling, and refilling prescriptions a pleasure, double stars and bonus points to them! Life’s too short to stay on hold with a doctor’s office all afternoon.

4. Someone who you can get to easily. If transportation is a challenge, seek out a provider whose office isn’t far away or off the beaten path. When you’re not feeling well, a long car, bus, or train ride is no picnic. And if you’re relying on caregivers to get you there, asking for a ride feels like less of a chore or a long shot.

5. Someone who you respect and trust. The amount of accolades and awards on the wall isn’t the only sign of a good doctor. If you feel safe, seen, heard, and cared for by this physician and their staff—and if your caregiver is recognized as an important part of your health team—that’s far more valuable than any framed certificates.

You’ve got piano recitals, graduations, and sunsets to see. You’ve got great grandchildren to hold, and bus trips and ball games to take in. If you have to change providers, don’t feel bad! Staying loyal isn’t always the best for your long-term health.

For caregivers: Helping an aging parent or friend choose a new doctor? Check out our posts on finding the right fit and 10 questions to ask your parent’s doctor.

ArchWell Health providers are here for you

Ready for a positive provider experience at ArchWell Health? Come meet our providers who possess all 5 of the qualities above and then some. Get to know them here.