Finding Dr. Right
If you have recently graduated from high school or college and are on your way into the workforce, you've got a lot of important decisions to make — including figuring out your health benefits options — to keep you feeling and looking your best. allaboutthebenefits.com gives you the information you need to make better health benefits choices.
Just like a best friend or significant other, it's important to find a doctor who you can rely on, because a good physician can not only treat current medical concerns as they come up, but will also guide your care to prevent and manage illness and disease.
Your primary care physician, or PCP, is typically a doctor who is part of your health plan network, and serves as your main contact for your medical care. Your PCP provides basic medical care, and coordinates and manages any other care you might receive. If you're in a health plan that requires referrals, this is the doctor who will refer you to specialists, such as allergists or dermatologists.
Know Your Options
Check your health plan's website for a list of physicians in your area that participate in your network. If you have your eye on a PCP that is not in your health plan's network, be sure to ask about extra out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay. Some insurers allow you to nominate a physician to a network by contacting your health plan's customer service department and completing a physician nomination request.
Ask Around
Recommendations from your friends, family and colleagues can be a great place to start when looking for a physician. But keep in mind that your PCP should suit your particular needs, which may be very different from anyone else's. For example, your mom's physician may be perfect for her but if the doc doesn't have as much experience working with young adults, he or she may not be as good a fit for you.
Key Questions
If you've narrowed your list down to several doctors in convenient locations (close to home or work), you may want to meet with a few to determine which doctor is the best fit for you. Go to Finding Dr. Right in the Health Benefits Essentials to find some questions to get you started.
Education and Accreditation
A doctor's education and training are very important. As is his or her track record. You can ask your health plan if it has quality rankings for PCPs and specialists. There are also online resources that list physician credentials, board-certifications, hospital affiliations, awards and publications. Go to Finding Dr. Right in the Health Benefits Essentials for more info.
