VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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FINDING A PHYSICIAN YOU TRUST

Best physician for seniorsWe all place a great deal of confidence in our doctors, trust them with our health and often our lives, or the lives of those near and dear to us. Patients are in a vulnerable position, which is why communication, trust, and mutual respect are so important in doctor-patient relationships. Here’s some tips for finding a good doctor.

  1. Define what makes a good doctor. Experience and credentials matter. Look for a doctor who graduated from a good medical school, has a good reputation among colleagues, and board certified in their specialty. Do you need a Geriatrician? Search for a practitioner who is part of your insurance plan’s network to keep costs under control.
  2. Trust is the foundation of the relationship. Research shows the specific doctor behaviors that are most associated with patient trust are caring, competence, and attentiveness. Patients want respect, and doctors who take the time to explain things and ask plenty of questions. They communicate freely and openly, and encourage patients to ask questions and be proactively involved in their care.
  3. Make sure the office is right for your needs and personality. Will you more often than not be seeing the Physician Assistant or talking to the Nurse Practitioner? Office staff plays a big role in creating a comforting and trustful environment. Are they attentive and considerate? If anything seems off about your interactions with staff it could be a red flag.
  4. Ask to interview the doctor before you make a choice. The NIA recommends asking questions to see if the doctor is a good fit, and to see how they handle your concerns. Ask about their thoughts on drug reps during this visit. You want to be sure the doctor gives you medical treatment based on your needs, not pressures from the industry.
  5. Consider your role in the relationship. Unless you are truthful, the doctor will not be able to accurately diagnose and treat your condition. This is no time to withhold information because it is embarrassing.
  6. Think about technology and convenience. Most medical practices have transitioned to electronic health records (EHR) systems, which help your doctor track your medical history and exchange information with specialists. These systems feature secure patient portals, so you can book and track doctor appointments, view medical records and lab results, send messages, and request prescription refills.
  7. Will you be empowered? Bedside manner, board certification, respect and compatibility go a long way, but in the end will there be shared decision making? Your doctor should give you the opportunity to choose the treatment approach that makes you most comfortable based on your wishes and goals. If you feel like your doctor is pushing you into accepting a specific treatment plan, this is a warning sign. You should both be partners in the decision-making process.
  8. Have a family member or caregiver accompany you to the first visit. Often another pair of eyes and ears can be helpful if you are nervous or have trouble remembering things. They can help you make a list of important points to remember both before and after the visit.
  9. Find out if telemedicine services are an option. If you have chronic conditions or are not very mobile this could make a world of difference.
  10. Last but not least – the relationship is a two way street. Take your meds, show up for therapy, don’t miss that follow up appointment. Studies show that patients who are engaged in their care heal faster and have better medical outcomes. Homecare can also be of benefit in many cases.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐