New Doctor? Ask yourself These 10 Questions

Many  people have have had their doctor since childhood. The doctor, whether male or female, has seen them through different stages and into old age. Many people looking for a new doctor dread examination by a new, young doctor. They fear he will look them over, noticing the middle age spread and the wrinkles.

Wanted – A New Doctor Who Wants You Well

The truth is, when you’re looking for a new doctor, you’ve got to put such thoughts away and look for a professional doctor whose only interest in you is to get you well again.

Gender, the new doctor’s treatment methods and their bedside manner all come into play. It is always a relief when someone who knows your concerns, recommends a doctor to you. There are other ways and means for you to find the right doctor –

  1. Take heed of word of mouth

If someone you know recommends a new doctor, let that be your cue.

 

  1. Make an appointment

If you’ve done your own research on doctors in your area and you’re feeling as though you may have New Doctor Questions and Answersfound the right new doctor, make an appointment. Take note of how the receptionist answers the phone and handles your queries. Take note of how long you wait to see the doctor, what the facilities are like and how they treat their patients.

 

  1. Enquire at your medical scheme

If you want to save on costs you can’t have issues with using a doctor in the medical scheme’s network. A scheme’s network of doctors and hospitals are the most affordable option if you want to avoid co-payments on medical bills. If you’re battling to make ends meet, you’ll be glad to have a ready-made decision. And network doctors are cheaper.

 

  1. Is your doctor accredited?

The Health Professions Council of SA has warned South Africans that bogus doctors are on the rise. They urge the public to check if a doctor is registered. You can call them at 012 338-9300/1 if you want to check up on a doctor or email them at webmaster@hpcsa.co.za. Doctors who aren’t registered can endanger the lives of those who put their lives into their hands.

 

  1. Is the doctor located in your area?

Choose a good doctor in your area that offers enough parking for patients. You want a doctor closer to you when you’re too ill to travel far.

 

  1. Which hospital does the doctor use?

Are you comfortable with being treated at the particular institutions your doctor uses and does your medical aid cover care at the institution?

 

  1. Does the practice require the performance of simple procedures such as blood tests or xrays away from their premises?

Sending you elsewhere can be costly in terms of petrol and it adds time on to getting a diagnosis.

 

  1. What are the doctor’s further interests?

Does the doctor specialise in a field that you need help with? If he doesn’t it may be a case of referring you to another specialist. If you have a chronic condition you’ll want a doctor who understands your health needs.

 

  1. What happens when your doctor isn’t there?

When your doctor’s away on holiday, who will help you then? Do you phone the rooms to hear a recorded message saying the doctor is away for 3 weeks – find someone else? You want a doctor who has a partner to fill in at times like this.

 

  1. Who do you call after-hours?

You want a doctor who makes sure that come what may, there is a back-up service to ensure the smooth continuation of services.

 

Everybody knows that if there’s one way to give your health a push in the right direction, its being able to trust a good doctor.

All info was correct at time of publishing