After many many years, I find myself looking for a new doctor. I was overwhelmed and anxious by just the thought of it.
I’ve seen the same general practitioner for most of the past 20 years, with a brief hiatus due to insurance and the fact that I don’t need a doctor often. I actually hadn’t made an appointment with him in a couple of years. 1. Because like I said, I don’t need one often. I am fairly healthy. 2. It’s VERY difficult to get an appointment within a reasonable time frame. Anyway, the last time I tried to make an appointment I was told that I would be considered a new patient because he hadn’t seen me in 2 years. Despite the fact that over the years, my OB/Gyn, the Urgent Care facility, and the ER had been sending him my info and reports. After some debating by myself and my husband, Dr agreed to see me. During my visit, I could tell he really didn’t want to see me and he pretty much brushed my issue under the rug and said I would have to learn to live with it. Say what? Learn to live with a numb hand? Hmm, I don’t think so! I decided then that I would not be back to see him but also didn’t make finding a new doctor a priority, plus COVID happened and most of the world shut down and non-urgent medical appointments weren’t happening.
Fast forward a few months, my beloved OB/Gyn that I had seen faithfully for 19 years was tragically killed in a boating accident. I was devastated. She was not just my doctor but my friend. She oversaw my pregnancy and helped deliver my surrogate twins (more on that story later). With her passing, I knew I would need to find a new doctor as soon as possible. I don’t neglect my annual appointments for my female care, my husband won’t let me.
So here I am. Browsing the internet for recommended doctors. Researching the doctors covered by our insurance. Feeling anxious, nervous, and overwhelmed. I made a post on social media asking for recommendations. That didn’t help! Everyone has different interactions, opinions, and feelings about the same doctors. This was not on my list of desired learning. So can you help, what do you look for when looking for a new doctor?