Just because you’re now in a higher age bracket doesn’t mean that you should be just a number to your health care provider. On the contrary, it’s more important than ever that you have high-quality care as a senior, even with vision insurance.
Once you reach your mid-sixties and older, you need a primary health care provider who’s in tune with the changes you’re experiencing in not only your body but your mind and life as well. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Experience
Whether it’s the nurses with a DNP degree or a doctor, you need to know the medical staff’s level of experience with dealing with the problems seniors face daily. So ask questions and visit their office before deciding on the right one to suit your health needs as a senior citizen.
Do They Accept Your Insurance?
You went through a lot of trouble choosing the right insurance plan for seniors. The last thing you want is to find out the doctor you’re using doesn’t accept your insurance plan. The same goes for choosing a life insurance plan as well. Take your time, do your research, and then determine the best option to take care of your final expenses.
These are the two most important insurance plans you need as a senior, so make sure to get advice from experts in that field as well.
How Well Does He or She Listen?
Everyone has been to a doctor that is in a hurry or seems only to hear what you’re saying but doesn’t really listen to your concerns. In fact, you may be better off searching for a Geriatrician to take care of your needs instead. A Geriatrician is a doctor that specializes in senior health care, so you know he’ll be listening to what you say.
They Have a Reliable, Well Established Practice
Instead of running your fingers down the Yellow Pages of the phone book, talk to your friends, family, and even co-workers about the primary care physicians they use. Word of mouth is the best advertisement for any doctor. Ask them what they like about the physician, what they don’t like, and if they would use him again.
You’d be surprised what you can find out about a doctor by just listening to what other people say about him. If his practice is reliable, great with patients, and he’s thought well of in the community, then you’re headed in the right direction.
Determine Your Comfort Level
Do you feel comfortable when you step into the doctor’s office? Does everyone talk to one another? Does the staff seem to get along and are welcoming to the patients? If you can answer yes to all these questions, then you might have found the right doctor for you.
If your answer to some of these questions is no, then you may be better off researching the next doctor on your list. How comfortable you feel with your doctor, and his staff can directly impact how successful he is in treating you and helping you have a wonderful life as a senior. In fact, there are quite a few signs to look for that’ll let you know it’s time to fire your doctor and find a new one.
As a senior, your thoughts should be on finding the best quality healthcare and life insurance options out there for not only your health but for your peace of mind as well. A good quality of life starts with a doctor that knows how to tend to your needs, listen to what you say, and make you comfortable whenever you see him.