healthmedicinet

As I mentioned in a recent post, I just got health insurance.

I’ve managed my medication with the same Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) for years.

Lately I’ve become discouraged with her fast-paced office and unwillingness to budge on my disagreements with treatment.

So now that I can afford it, I at least want a second opinion. I want to approach my past and present with a different perspective, after five years of the same way of doing things.

I have the opportunity to choose anyone in the area, and just like a large restaurant menu, the choices can be confusing!

Here are the factors I’m looking at:

1. Reputation

Knowing how psychiatrists or neuropsychiatrists are viewed by their patients is crucial. I want to know that my doctor has a record of having deep knowledge, patience, and the absence of sanctions and malpractice. I also want to know that my potential doctor is trustworthy and easy to talk to

2.       Background

There are several online databases that allow potential patients to access doctors’ educational background, list of hospital affiliations, medical concentrations, and years in practice. This allows me to feel comfortable about my doctor’s history in the medical field. It also helps to know if my psychiatrist is affiliated with a hospital in the area, should I ever need to admit myself.

3.        Experience with Bipolar Disorder

My new psych doctor must have experience with bipolar disorder. This is non-negotiable. I will take the time to research someone who has the expertise to deal with the course of bipolar illness.

4.        Location

I am not going to go too far to see a psychiatrist–probably within 10 miles or so of my home and/or work. Ideally, the doctor’s office will be within reasonable distance of both endpoints of my commute. Then I can easily access the doctor’s office whenever I need to–whether it be on my lunch break or after work.

With that said, what are the factors you look into when deciding on a psychiatrist? Are you happy with your current doctor? If you are satisfied, which of your doctor’s qualities make this possible? If you are not happy with your psychiatrist, what would you change or improve?

 

Photo Credit: An Tran via Compfight

 

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And they are apparently too stupid to realize how easy it is to ensure they are called out for their bad behavior.

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    Last reviewed: 10 Mar 2014