How to change physicians and stay safe
Q: I need to change several of my doctors because I changed jobs and my old doctors don’t take my new health insurance. What am I supposed to do?
— William C., Wooster, Ohio
A: It’s a problem with today’s U.S. health care system, and no one seems to have an answer. A new, major British study that reviewed outcomes in 22 countries with different health care systems has found that staying with the same doctor(s) for a long period of time leads to better health and longevity and is better for the docs, too. But don’t worry, even though that was the conclusion, if you become your own best patient advocate, you will emerge from this change in doctors as a healthier you. Here’s how to do it:
No. 1: Specialization is increasing, so your general practitioner’s job is offering important baseline health monitoring (annual physicals, vaccinations) and giving you referrals to specialists like cardiologists and orthopedic surgeons. The key is to have your medical records available to your new GP, and all your GP’s records available to any specialists, so they will know if you have health issues that affect their care of you. Your task: Have every doc give you both a digital and printed copy of your records; review them and correct any mistakes. And make sure the doctors are communicating your records to one another digitally; it’s the best way to protect yourself from medical oversights when you change docs.
No. 2: The British research study mentioned that patients who stay with their docs for long periods of time had what they termed a “greater adherence to medical advice.” In other words, folks who move around from doc to doc are less likely to follow their doc’s advice. So act like a member of the care team from the start: Be an engaged patient, ask questions, be polite to the staff, show you care about quality care and you’ll get it. Dr. Mehmet Oz is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Dr. Mike Roizen is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.