Two years ago, I broke up with. . . my eye doctor. He was an optometrist with a waiting room full of comfy leather couches, more high-tech diagnostic machines than I’d seen on any given episode of Battlestar Galactica and an efficiency that got me in and out in under two hours-ish. So why let a good man, err, MD, go? Because I knew he wasn’t “The One.”
Far too often we’re attracted to doctors for all the wrong reasons: he’s walking distance from your workplace, she’s the first one that you found that takes your job’s insurance, you read about him in a magazine. But as a single woman, you need to take as much time evaluating a doctor as you would any partner. This MD may be the first person on the scene—and your biggest advocate—if you get sick. So you’ll need to:
Because single women are at greater risk than married women for illnesses like heart disease and certain cancers, you need someone to help you sidestep those issues on a your way to a long, healthy life.
Count To Ten
Cast a wide net, asking at least ten people you know if they have a doctor they love and would recommend. That’s right. Don’t stop with your best friend and next door neighbor. Swing by the desk of your co-worker, call friends, email acquaintances on LinkedIn in medical fields and post on Facebook .
Flip Over Your Card
That’s one place you’ll find your insurance company’s website where you can review their MD recommendations, but narrow the list by searching for those that specialize in or have a particular interest in ailments you’re at risk for either through family history or lifestyle behaviors. Consider their credentials as well as patient comments you’ll find on sites like vitals.com, healthgrades.com and yelp. (Just remember, people are more likely to post when they’re dissatisfied).
Go On Interviews
Be honest and explain you’re looking for a doctor you can build a relationship with and who’ll get to know you well. As you interact with the doctor, notice if there respect for your financial situation when testing comes up. Do you feel like your concerns are being heard? Are your questions answered in a clear and concise way?
Know Your Needs
Is it important to you that your doctor be familiar with complementary and alternative medicines? Are you more likely to fess up to your ob/gyn about your sexual habits if it’s a woman instead of a man? Do you want someone who’ll treat you aggressively or conservatively if problems come up? Take all of this into consideration.
In the end, I left my optometrist for an ophthalmologist who’d been treating patients for the years with the eye disease I have a family history of. Her office is tiny, I have to pay by check (no credit cards). But on my first visit, I heard her yell out to her receptionist while I was sitting in her waiting room. “Cancel my appointments for the rest of the day,” she said. “Ms. Rose needs to get to the ER immediately and she lives alone so I’m taking her there myself.” That’s when I knew she was the one. Specialization, time spent with patients, willing to go the extra mile. I was sold. And when you find your dream doc, you’ll know too.
