Your relationship with your primary care provider (PCP) should be taken as seriously as any personal relationship you have. Your health is important and finding a primary care provider you like and have a good relationship with is vital.
A primary care provider is there to monitor changes or trends in your health over time to prevent, diagnose and treat any new health problems that may arise. The key to having a good relationship with your PCP is communication. Your PCP should be able to:
- Take the necessary time to get a complete understanding of your health
- Listen to your concerns
- Discuss recommendations and treatment options effectively
- Establish a partnership with shared decision making
Good provider-patient communication helps ensure your health isn’t overlooked, leading to better outcomes. It also allows you to get the care that you deserve, with a lower risk of delays in care or unwanted surprises in how your care is managed.
As with any good relationship, you deserve a provider who listens to you and treats you with respect. The right provider will ensure an open line of communication and a foundation of trust. So, how do you find the best provider? Keep reading for tips to help focus your search.
Signs You Should Look for a New Primary Care Provider
As much as you want to establish a long-term relationship with your primary care provider, there may come a time when you have to make a tough decision to switch to another one. If you are considering finding a new provider, here are some signs it might be time for a change:
- It is difficult to get an appointment, or your appointments feel rushed. You deserve access to care when you need it and should have adequate time to address your concerns.
- Your provider does not coordinate sharing necessary health information with your other providers or specialists. For example, if you have a chronic condition, you likely see multiple doctors. Your PCP should keep your record updated and be able to share it promptly with specialists
- Communication is awkward or difficult, leaving you feeling confused and unheard. It is important you understand your provider and vice versa.
Tips for Choosing a Good Provider
There are many things to consider when you are ready to find a new provider. Here are some things to consider as you begin your search:
1. Stay in network to save on costs
In-network providers have a contract to limit what they will bill members, which helps you save on care. Before scheduling an appointment, you should verify with the office that they are in-network.
Members enrolled in our Standard option have no coverage for out-of-network care,* so it is important to find a provider within the network to save on costs. Plus, they get discounts on co-pays when visiting a premium care physician.
Compass Rose Health Plan members can search for an in-network provider using their plan’s provider directory.
Standard and High Option Provider Directory
Compass Rose Medicare Advantage Provider Directory
2. Find a premium care physician
Premium care physicians are providers or specialists who meet criteria for providing quality care. This means safe and effective treatment for you and your family. To find a premium care physician, look for two blue hearts within your plan’s provider directory.
3. Ask for recommendations
Word of mouth is a great way to find a good provider. Ask for recommendations from those closest to you and other doctors you visit.
4. Look at online reviews
Healthgrades and Vitals are reputable online sites with ratings and reviews of providers from patients. This can help you narrow down your search, but keep in mind that people may share more negative reviews than positive ones.
5. Call the office
Call the provider’s office to ask questions like:
- What services do you offer?
- How many doctors are at your practice?
- How long have you been in practice?
- How long does it typically take to get an appointment?
- Do you offer telehealth options?
You may also be able to find this information online but talking with a receptionist can help you get a good feel for the environment at the office.
Finding a provider is something many people put off for another day because it seems like too much of a hassle. There is some legwork up front — finding someone in network who’s accepting new patients and transferring your records — but once you make the switch, you will be relieved and happier in the long run.
If you need help finding a provider, call UMR Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm ET at (888) 438-9135. They can help you find a provider near you and coordinate an appointment. If you are already working with a Compass Rose Living Well nurse, or would like to work with a nurse, they can help you coordinate care and records and understand more about your health conditions.