[sconnie892]

My Primary Care Physician left the clinic (without informing patients). The Nurse Practitioner I saw was a bad fit and I won't be going back to see her. So, I need to find a new PCP. I am really struggling with this on multiple levels. I really liked my old PCP. She was relaxed and caring. I want nothing more than to have someone like her. In the meantime the whole fiasco with the NP has left me distrustful of the healthcare system in general.

I have been thinking about what I really want in a PCP and have come up with: supports a 360-degree view of health (physical, mental, and spiritual all work together); provides excellent communication with the patient; is open-minded to taking nutritional approaches/alternative treatment options and is not offended when the patient asks questions or brings up alternative options. Originally I was set on having a woman provider, but I think meeting these criteria is more important than gender.

Anyway, I had hoped to see one of the other doctors at the clinic I went to. He is a Doctor of Osteopathy, so a little more into the holistic view. But, since I voiced my concerns about the NP there, I feel a little awkward going back to that clinic.

Anyone have some tips on the best way to go about finding a new doctor? Good questions to ask? I'd like to talk to him/her BEFORE I decide to schedule an appointment with him/her...but I don't know if they make time to talk to prospective patients like a therapist might.

Originally Posted by sconnie892

My Primary Care Physician left the clinic (without informing patients). The Nurse Practitioner I saw was a bad fit and I won't be going back to see her. So, I need to find a new PCP. I am really struggling with this on multiple levels. I really liked my old PCP. She was relaxed and caring. I want nothing more than to have someone like her. In the meantime the whole fiasco with the NP has left me distrustful of the healthcare system in general.

I have been thinking about what I really want in a PCP and have come up with: supports a 360-degree view of health (physical, mental, and spiritual all work together); provides excellent communication with the patient; is open-minded to taking nutritional approaches/alternative treatment options and is not offended when the patient asks questions or brings up alternative options. Originally I was set on having a woman provider, but I think meeting these criteria is more important than gender.

Anyway, I had hoped to see one of the other doctors at the clinic I went to. He is a Doctor of Osteopathy, so a little more into the holistic view. But, since I voiced my concerns about the NP there, I feel a little awkward going back to that clinic.

Anyone have some tips on the best way to go about finding a new doctor? Good questions to ask? I'd like to talk to him/her BEFORE I decide to schedule an appointment with him/her...but I don't know if they make time to talk to prospective patients like a therapist might.

I switched from one doctor to a NP that utilize the same office. You shouldn't feel awkward, it's nothing personal, just business. I'd give that guy a shot.... sucks that you would rule out a whole place because of one bad NP.

[roads]

There are numerous online searches, which let you fill in the sort of criteria you mentioned. You can keep looking, but I agree with Lolo--stay where you are if the one jerk is the only problem. Every large group has one, eh? It's very hard finding PCPs with the spread you want who are taking new patients & your insurance (if that's an issue).

But if you're set on it, look for online referral services.

[sconnie892]

I did like the clinic... but it's not very big. Two docs and the NP. It's part of a larger system, but this clinic is small. That's why it feels awkward. And the fact that my letter of concern went to both the docs... I don't know why, but I have this suspicion I've been flagged as a "difficult" patient. There is another branch of the same clinic system in the neighboring town. I've seen some of those doctors as well for things like colds. If worse come to worse, I can always see a PA there or maybe just go back to the doctor I had as a kid. He's still there but has to be close to retirement.

Originally Posted by sconnie892

I did like the clinic... but it's not very big. Two docs and the NP. It's part of a larger system, but this clinic is small. That's why it feels awkward. And the fact that my letter of concern went to both the docs... I don't know why, but I have this suspicion I've been flagged as a "difficult" patient. There is another branch of the same clinic system in the neighboring town. I've seen some of those doctors as well for things like colds. If worse come to worse, I can always see a PA there or maybe just go back to the doctor I had as a kid. He's still there but has to be close to retirement.

If the doc still takes you as a patient then he will be aware and agreeing to what you need..... good luck with it. At least he will know you out of the crowd!

[sconnie892]

Originally Posted by LolaCabanna

If the doc still takes you as a patient then he will be aware and agreeing to what you need..... good luck with it. At least he will know you out of the crowd!

That's true.
I was thinking I should just get a shirt that reads "I will question everything you say." and wear it to all my medical appointments.

Originally Posted by sconnie892

That's true.
I was thinking I should just get a shirt that reads "I will question everything you say." and wear it to all my medical appointments.

That a girl, be assertive ... you are buying a service... ask as many questions as you want!

[sconnie892]

Guess what I will be discussing the therapy... how to overcome my issues with this whole situation and not be a pain in the butt at every medical appointment I go to. I probably drove the ultrasound tech crazy a few weeks ago.

You got this Sconnie, if you don't look out for you who will? I love love love the T-shirt Idea! Own it like your nerdness!