persiancat

I would love some feedback here from either individuals who have chosen doctors they are very satisfied with, or physicians themselves who can shed some insight.

After a month and a half at my new place of employment, I am now eligible for health coverage. I recently moved to NYC, and with such an overabundance of choices here, choosing a doctor is a daunting task - especially when you have no clue what credentials to look for or where to find them.

My plan - Aetna Managed Choice - has a list of available primary care physicians than spans pages and pages long. It's overwhelming.

So, what do you suggest? Where should I start? What was your process in choosing a doctor? What questions should I be asking?

In a google search, I came up with this Web site, which suggested asking the following questions: (What do you think of them - and do you have any useful questions I should add to the list?)

1. What should I expect on the first visit? An initial visit should involve a complete medical history and a head-to-toe examination of skin, eyes, ears, tongue, mouth, glands, heartbeat and breasts. These basic tests should also be included: blood pressure, an electrocardiogram (EKG), a chest x-ray, a rectal exam and blood tests.

2. Does the doctor have a subspecialty? Ask if he or she is a general practitioner, an internist or a family practitioner. An internist with a subspecialty in cardiology may be your best choice if you have a chronic heart condition.

3. What are the doctor's hospital affiliations? Find out if the doctor is affiliated with at least one hospital in your area.

4. What are the fees and billing procedures? Ask if you are required to pay at the time of your visit and what form of payment (check, credit card) is acceptable. Sometimes the office staff will process insurance forms for you and wait for payment from the insurance company.

5. Who covers for the practice when the doctor is absent? You may never get to meet this back-up physician but it is wise to check up on the credentials anyway.

6. Does the doctor provide time for telephone consultations? Any doctor who "does not talk to patients on the phone", should not be your doctor.

7. Does the doctor make house calls? Believe it or not, some still do, which is a plus if you have an elderly or handicapped person at home.

maleficent

Two questions to start with - what's your age and do you have any existing health problems...

If you're young and the answer to the other question is none.. then picking a doctor who's practice isn't full would be where i'd pick...

Basically - HoW long does it take to get an appointment - and what hours does the doctor work... (like if you wanted a before work appointment -- is the doctor there at 7am )

More than likely you are healthy, and really the health coverage is purely maintenance- you just want to make sure that the doctor is available when you need them to be.

Since it's managed care.. does this mean to go to a specialist - you have to go thru your primary care physician... Does the doctor require that you come in to see him before going to the specialist or will a simple phone call suffice ( years back - with aetna - Women were not allowed to have OBGyns as a primary care.. so in order to go to my Gyn... I had to go to the primary care first and this idiot insisted on having me come into the office first - luckily Aetna changed their policy later.. but it was frustrating..0

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JustJess

I live in NYC - go to my doctor. I LOVE her. LOVE LOVE LOVE this doctor.

1. I did not fill out my medical history. She did, as she spoke to me, asking questions, etc. I received a full physical/bloodwork/etc. Very impressive.

2. Yes - internal medicine. I don't know other than that because I'm not in need.

3. NY Presbyterian. Premier hospital.

4. Cash, check, or credit card for the copay only. If you don't have it on you, they'll bill you.

5. Her partner. Also good, but I like her better.

6. Yes - SHE calls me back when I have questions. And has called me personally to say "I'm completely booked tomorrow, but my appointments don't start until 9a - can you come in at 8:30a, and I'll take care of you then?" when I call, miserably sick. Has also taken me the same day. I've only ever waited more than 15 minutes ONCE. Even when she squished me in.

7. Not that I know of.

As for referrals - she'll make them over the phone, no problem.

PM me if you want her name/location/number. She's awesome.

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My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

persiancat

I'm 23, and while I don't have any serious conditions, I've been having some sharp headaches on the right side of my head on and off for years now. The pain ranges from moderate to sometimes severe, to the point where I feel like I can't do anything but lie down and wait for it to go away. I've had an MRI in the past (probably three or four years ago), which said I was healthy, but the pains continue and I want to be tested again.

But that's just one thing - you're right, for the most part I just want preventative health care.

With Aetna Managed Choice, I'm not sure if I have to go through the physician to see a specialist. Is that something I would ask Aetna directly or each doctor I'm considering on an individal basis?

As you can tell, I'm new to this whole procedure Thanks for the tips on availability, very good point.

Cynthetiq

recommendations from your peers of the same age... don't have any, then just start with coworkers. Ask why they are recommending them.

Me? I have one in my building on the groundfloor. I don't even have to put on shoes and can go in my pink fuzzy slippers and my purple feetie pajamas

she's also a cutie!

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JustJess

I should mention - I found this doctor through a recommendation. I've always been most comfortable with that way in finding new doctors.

That sounds like you might have migraines - not a lot of fun. MRI's may not pick up on migraine causes - they can be totally left field like hormones or some such.

Ask Aetna about the policies. Or your HR department should have the breakdown of what you will get with them - should have been something given to you before you became eligible.

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My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

maleficent

Check with your HR department on that- whether or not you have to go thru a primary care for specialists is up to the insurance plan you've got... not the doctor

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persiancat

Thank you... will certainly do that.

I absolutely feel the same way!

You lucky lady, you. I haven't been able to pull off anything in pajamas since I graduated from college.

maleficent

Cyn's a boy... a very cute boy - but a boy and he's hot stuff in his feetie jammies..

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JustJess

You should see the giant purple people eater outfit... just adorable as all get out!

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My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.

persiancat

Oops, I'm very sorry Cyn... my mistake! I should have picked up the hint with the whole "she's also a cutie" bit... hehe.

maleficent

You don't have access to it just yet - but you will...

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=81374

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persiancat

Oooh, what a tease. I can only wait for the day... haha.

JustJess

guess it's time for you to forum surf - no more lurking, missy (?)!

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My heart knows me better than I know myself, so I'm gonna let it do all the talkin'.