4 Questions To Ask Yourself About Your Primary Care Provider
A guide for Medicare patients age 65+ before open enrollment
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Better health care begins with better primary care, and that makes your relationship with your primary care provider too important to settle for merely “satisfied”. You deserve to be the number-one priority and the center of your care.
With Medicare’s Open Enrollment right around the corner (October 15 to December 7, 2021) now is the perfect time to rethink your PCP. If you want to break free from the old way of delivering healthcare, you’ll want to look for a better alternative that offers:
- A patient-first philosophy. This means a staff-to-patient ratio that’s lower than the norm; one that allows you to be seen fully as a person and not just a chart.
- Access to a health team with experience in treating multiple chronic conditions and answering your questions.
- A dedicated health coach who’s your advocate and partner, helping you achieve your health goals and getting the care you deserve seamlessly.
- A practice that almost feels like home the moment you walk through the door.
Ask yourself these questions to help determine whether it’s time for you to consider switching to Iora Primary Care.
1. I don't feel rushed when I see my provider. Yes or No
If you answered “no”, consider this:
It’s important to look for a healthcare provider that will spend an appropriate amount of time with you, beginning the visits with a catch-up and review of your history, listening carefully to your concerns, and answering all of your questions. You deserve to feel heard, supported, and cared for by your physician.
2. I feel that my needs and my care come first to my primary care provider. Yes or No
Here’s what you should know if you answered “no”:
If your doctor’s office makes you the number-one priority, you can count on a few things: You should be able to get same day and next day appointments for acute issues. You can rely on a quick response time when you reach out to the office. If you need help getting to your appointments, transportation can be provided.
3. I feel welcome and at ease the minute I walk into my doctor’s office. Yes or No
Is “no” your response? Then think about this:
First impressions matter. If you’re greeted by name in a reception area that has soothing lighting and comfortable seating, that’s a good sign that the practice is putting patient needs first. Other indications that your needs are a priority include easily navigated wide hallways that have railings if you need them, exam rooms with ample space, and calm and quiet consult rooms that offer privacy for you and your family.
4. I have an entire team working to support my health and well-being. Yes or No
If you answered “no”, you’re being shortchanged.
A healthcare team that’s dedicated to you and your care will help you thrive. Supporting your whole health, a team helps you plan and achieve your health goals and can also assist you in navigating the complex healthcare landscape when needed. A health coach can be a key member of a winning team, guiding you in making healthy lifestyle choices—whether that’s quitting smoking, cutting down on red meat, or introducing strength training into your fitness plan—and working with your primary care physician to help you manage all aspects of your care.
If you answered “no” to even one of these four questions, you might want to consider Iora Primary Care. It's a better kind of doctor’s office that’s designed specifically for the needs of adults age 65 and older on Medicare. Iora takes a team-based, patient-first approach to your care.
