Sometimes it is better to choose your doctor before you choose a health plan

Choosing a doctor is hard enough by itself especially if you have moved or have to switch health insurance providers. Recommendations from coworkers, neighbors, and friends will help and is a good way to start, but in the end you will have to decide based on your needs and situation.

 

Your insurance plan will also play an important part in your choice. Many restrict your choices to a group of plan-approved doctors or offer incentives to use plan-affiliated doctors. Always check the terms of your health plan coverage to find out whether your plan will cover the doctor you are considering. If you have changed jobs and must decide among different health plans, you may want to make your choice of a doctor first and then choose the health plan that covers you for these visits.

 

No matter what health insurance provider you choose the final choice of a doctor still comes down to you. There are many factors that can affect your choice, in fact many more than listed here but these are some we feel are important.

 

1-     The most obvious but often overlooked, where is the office located? Is it easy to find, is it accessible, can you get there by public transportation, is there parking? These are all important questions especially if you become incapacitated.

2-     Whenever possible get referrals. Even if you are on a plan that requires you to see certain doctors there are still options. If you are not getting your needs met switch to another doctor on the plan.

3-     What is the staff like?  Are they helpful, friendly, and professional?

4-     Which hospital(s) is the doctor associated with. Would you be comfortable with being treated at one of these hospitals?

5-     If you call with a question or a problem, is your call returned promptly?

6-     When you call are you able to speak with the doctor? Does he/she call you back?

7-     Who covers for the doctor when he/she is away, would you be comfortable being treated by these doctors?

8-     Does the doctor  frequently refer patients to specialists or does he/she prefer to manage the majority of your care themselves?

9-     Another real important question, how long do you have to wait for an appointment?

10- This is the most important, are you comfortable with the doctor? Can you get an initial consultation and after that meeting are you feeling comfortable or uneasy? If you are the least bit unsure check out another doctor.

 

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers one of the largest selections of providers available and we have some of the finest award winning agents in the business. Check out our website, talk to one of our award winning agents who will be happy to answer your questions and help you find a health plan that is perfect for you.