5 Essential Steps for Finding the Right Doctor as a New Adult

From Pediatrician To Primary Physician:

8 Essential Steps for Finding the Right Doctor as a New Adultult

By: Jyale Gates, Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient

From Pediatrician To Primary Physician is a project that aims to educate teenagers ages 16 and 17 on how to transition from Pediatric Care to Adult Care. In other words, how to find a new doctor for new adults. 

In society today there is a disconnect between young adults advocating for themselves and adult care physicians' knowledge of how to communicate with young adults. This disconnect, caused by a lack of information from pediatricians to teenagers on how to find a doctor and a lack of knowledge from primary care doctors on how to interact with young adults can cause young adults to simply funnel to their parents' doctor which may not be the best fit for them.

For most teenagers the thought of leaving their pediatrician and finding a new doctor can be difficult because they feel as if they're breaking a strong bond, it is difficult to find the same level of care, or even as simple as not knowing how to even begin when finding a new doctor. As a disclaimer if you feel you are not ready to start looking for an adult care doctor then most pediatricians continue care until around the age of 21.

Here's the Process:

Know Your Info

The first step in finding a new doctor is knowing your information. It is important to Know Your Info because it will help guide you in the decision making process to find a doctor. 

Information to Know:

• Medical History

• Insurance

• Family Medical Information

An easy way to figure out this information is asking your parent or guardian who has handled your healthcare in the past.

The Referral

You are not alone in this process! A great way to find a new doctor is talking to your current doctor. Your current pediatrician can refer you to doctors that they know and trust to give you a similar level of care.

For Referrals Ask:

• Your Pediatrician

• Family

• Friends 

Create A Checklist

Think about what YOU want. Your parents doctor may not be the future doctor for you, develop a checklist of your needs.

Things to include on your checklist of doctor preferences:

• Preferred Gender

• Preferred Location

• The type of doctor (A family doctor,  internal medicine, general practitioner))

• What does my insurance support

• Do they have experience in my condition?

Once you have this information you should research doctors who fit this.

Narrowing Down The List

After researching doctors who fit the preferences specified in your checklist, narrow down that list to at most 5 doctors you're interested in.

Questions to further research about these doctors:

• Is this doctor taking new patients?

• Which hospital do they use?

• Do they have training in my medical condition?

• Are they a part of a group practice?

Booking An Appointment

To book an appointment call the doctor’s office or book online if that is available.

Questions to ask:

• What do I bring to the appointment?

• How long will the appointments last?

• Directions to the office?

• If there is a patient portal?

• Does the doctor often run behind?

• Can I bring someone with me?

• Do I need to book a specific type of appointment?

Going to the Appointment

At the appointment make sure to get there early to have time to find the office and fill out the forms. Tips for advocating for yourself:

• Speak up for yourself

• If you feel uncomfortable talk to the physician

Post Appointment Analysis

After the appointment, decide if you would like to come back to the doctor in the future.

Things to think about:

• Did you feel comfortable?

• Did I feel listened to?

• Did I have a chance to answer questions?Did the doctor spend enough time with me?

Most importantly it’s okay not to go back if you felt uncomfortable.

College

Going to college means making decisions for yourself.

Things to learn about your university healthcare:

• Is there an onsite doctor, clinic, or hospital?

• If I dislike my campus doctor, are there doctors available nearby?

• Is healthcare a part of my tuition?

• How far in advance do I need to book an appointment?

• How quick can I get in for an issue?

If you dislike or don’t want to go to the doctor for a yearly physical you can also find a doctor at home and visit on breaks.