Life with MS

When choosing a new primary care physician, what are some qualities that are important to you? They may be different from one individual to another, so it is important to identify what will enhance your relationship and make it as productive as possible. For one person, the top requirement may be accessibility by phone, email, or portal. For another, it could be age or gender. Background and experience could also factor into your decision. I would suggest that the relationship should ultimately not be about just the qualities and characteristics of the primary care physician, but also what you have to bring to that relationship to make it more dynamic and fruitful. 

We need to bring certain things to any relationship in order for it to be successful. Generally, I think if we are entering into a romantic relationship, we look for similar interests, an easygoing personality, a sense of humor and the ability to compromise. In our work relationships, we may work better with others who are willing to problem-solve and are open to the needs of the entire teams. A healthcare relationship is really not much different. We want to identify those characteristics that are best suited with our personalities. Here are some tips to making that relationship work better for you and your primary care physician. 

1. Be a student and a teacher. Be willing to listen and learn while at the same time sharing your past experience as a way to better understand how to successfully move into a new direction.

2. Be clear about your goals for the relationship (or the specific visit) to focus the encounter on what needs to be done in the moment. 

3. Understand the expectations each party in the relationship has and willing to compromise, if needed, so each of you gets what you need.

4. Even if you think you understand a plan of care or the risks of a treatment, be willing to listen with an open mind to feedback or concerns on what you are asking for.   

It can be fairly easy when starting with a new practice to put your guidelines and goals into place, but this is also possible in an existing relationship that is not working as well as you might like. Set up an appointment for a focus visit. Be open about what you think you need from your primary care physician and be willing to listen to what your primary care physician needs from you. If it really is a two-way street and each of you understands the other's goals and limitations, expectations can be met. 

Blue Cross/Blue Shield, one of the largest primary insurers in the United States, gives five points to consider when choosing your primary care physician. 

1. Determine which doctors are in your network. Many accept all health plans but some will not accept your insurance plan. You will likely pay less for your visits if your primary care physician is in the network.

2. Find a doctor with expertise in your specific conditions. With MS, you should look for a doctor who knows a bit about MS and its treatments. (You may be able to provide that if you find a good fit on all other fronts.) Most of us have other underlying conditions, so look for an individual that has experience in treating them as well. An internal medicine doctor may be preferable to a family practice physician if there are several conditions.

3. Ask for referrals from other healthcare professionals with whom you have a relationship (neurologist, other specialist, pharmacist, etc.) If you have friends who love their primary care physician, ask them as well, but also look up reviews if you do not have more than one person recommending a practice.  

4. Think about logistics. Is the practice easy enough to get to? Are people in the office fluent in your languge of choice?

5. Visit the office, if possible. How attentive and friendly are the office staff? Are phones answered quickly? If possible, meet the primary care physician and introduce yourself and your goals for the relationship (set an appointment for this.)

What tips have you found to find a healthcare professional that you enjoy working with? Please share with msnurse@msfocus.org.