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Finding the Right Health Care Provider
Hannah Spector, 12.02.08
In order to get the best medical care, be open with your provider. |
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Your health care provider plays an important role in your life. She helps keep you in your best physical shape and keeps you up-to-date on issues that affect adolescents. With these tips and a little research, you can find an excellent provider and make your first appointment stress free!
Trust is a must
In order to get the best medical care, be open with your provider. The better she knows you, the clearer picture of your health and your needs she will have.
Work to find a provider you trust. Even if you've had negative medical experiences in the past, don't be reluctant to seek care. Your health depends on it.
What if you already have a provider you like?
You might be content with your current provider, but maybe
- the office does not provide confidential services
- you feel judged or not in control of your experience
- you're seeing a pediatrician and want to transition into adult care
If you wish to stay with your current doctor, ask her about adolescent-specific care and how she handles confidentiality and communication with your parents.
If you like your current doctor, but don't think she's right for you anymore, ask her to recommend another provider - after all, she knows your health history best.
Special alert: adolescent specialists
Seeing a specialist is not essential, but it could be right for you. Adolescent specialists receive extensive training on how best to treat young people. They'll be aware of the pressures you may face while your body is going through big changes.
Assemble your research team
A great way to find someone who you can trust is by asking people whom you trust for help. Make a list of things that are important to you and share your list with your research team.
When making your list, the big questions you have to answer are
- What are my main concerns about my body?
- Does the gender of the provider matter to me?
- Do I need my provider to speak my native language?
- What issues do I want to stay confidential?
- Do I want to see a provider who specializes in the health of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender youth?
Keep in mind that you don't have to have a medical problem to go see a provider. Anthony P. Vavasis, clinical director of the Health Outreach to Teens Program at the Callen Lorde Community Health Center in New York City says, "The problem may be that you don't have enough information." Your goal can be to "walk out the door with more knowledge."
Making an appointment
You've found a provider who seems right for you. Now what? It's time to call the office. Calling anonymously lets you comfortably ask questions and helps you determine how adolescent-friendly the clinic staff are. Be sure to have all of your contact and insurance (if you have insurance) information handy so you can easily make an appointment.
Keep in mind that your visit should be affordable, accessible, confidential, and youth-friendly - from the office staff to the visit itself to the referral network (social workers, nutritionists, psychiatrists, etc.).
Ask
- How much will my visit cost?
- Can I bring my partner or a friend with me?
- What will the exam entail?
- Will the services be confidential?
- What is the office allowed to discuss with my parent or guardian?
- Can the office call me at a number other than my home phone?
- Can I give a different mailing address if I don't want bills and test results sent to my home address?
Before your appointment
Think of problems or questions you have. Even if you only have one or two, it's helpful to write them down.
When you make your appointment, tell the receptionist if you need anything specific addressed in your visit, like a test for a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The appointment
It's the day of your appointment. Take a deep breath! If you want, bring a family member or friend with you. It's even OK to bring someone else into the room during your examination - just let the provider know in advance.
Also, tell your provider if you want to talk to her in private. Ask lots of questions, be honest, and if you don't understand a question or answer, ask for an explanation.
Honesty is key
"If you don't say the whole story," cautions Dr. Vavasis, "the provider could completely miss the boat." So, he stresses, "first establish the trust and then go for broke. You really have to say everything if you want to get quality care." |
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