Finding the right primary care physician is worth going the extra mile
Cory Silva doesn’t mind going to the doctor. In fact, he’s willing to drive 45 minutes through busy Boston traffic from his home in the city out to Wellesley just to see his primary care physician for any medical issues or regular check-ups. For Silva, the trust he has in his doctor is worth the extra time and trouble.
In the six years since Silva started seeing Laura Rabideau, MD, Primary Care Physician at Tufts MC Primary Care, the doc has helped him keep his blood pressure under control and watch out for the diabetes that runs in his family. Rabideau also referred Silva to top-quality specialists when he needed thumb fusion surgery and when he tore a tendon in his wrist. But Silva doesn’t just appreciate his primary care physician when he’s in dire need—he values their easy working relationship even when it’s just a routine exam.
“Your doctor should be someone you can be genuine with,” says Silva. “That’s the one person you shouldn’t keep things from because it affects your body and your life. You should feel like you can tell them anything. You don’t always get that—and that’s worth traveling for.”
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JUNE 2021
TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER
What is Important
to Consider When Choosing a Primary Care Physician
Great office staff
Location
Male or female
Reviews
Expertise
For her part, Rabideau agrees and emphasizes that the open line of communication between doctor and patient must flow both ways.
“Two questions that are really reflective of whether you have a good relationship are: ‘Do I understand and respect my doctor?’ and ‘Does my doctor understand and respect me?’”
Unfortunately, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association, nearly 25% of Americans don’t even have a primary physician. And it’s safe to say that some who do don’t enjoy an open and productive relationship like Silva and Rabideau. And that can be disastrous because primary care physicians are the gatekeepers to better health and wellbeing. They are the conduits to the surgeons and specialists that can treat life-threatening ailments. They are also frontline defense when it comes to prevention of illness and injury, catching the signs of that cancer or that heart attack before it worsens or even occurs. And perhaps most importantly, primary care physicians are guides and counselors through the smaller everyday questions and concerns that do more than just keep us alive—they help us enjoy the life we have.
“When I first met Dr. Rabideau, you could feel the care and concern and her desire to help,” says Silva. “She made sure she had the time to listen intently to everything I had to say and took the time to figure things out, as opposed to just getting me in and out.”
Even though you should feel at ease and comfortable taking your time when you’re talking with your primary care physician, there are some things you can do to in advance to be prepared. This will not only endear you to your doctor and their staff, but it will also ensure your visit is efficient and that you get the answers and care you need and deserve. Here are some things you should bring with you to your appointment:
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If you come to the doctor’s office prepared, you should expect the physician and their staff to be ready to field your queries and concerns; be open to your input on your own health; considerate of your lifestyle, values, and beliefs; and be able to sympathetically and confidently provide feedback, and answers to your questions. And if you feel like your needs are not being met, or that you’d just rather try another physician, you should feel free to do so—don’t worry about hurting your doctor’s feelings, they understand. After all it’s your life.
“You should look at yourself as a consumer,” says Karthik Rvindran, MD, Primary Care Physician Tufts MC Primary Care. “You should shop. People spend more time looking for a car mechanic than a doctor. Find the person who resonates with you, who really speaks to you.”
That’s what Silva did. And now, he’s willing to spend almost an hour fighting traffic to get to a Tufts Medical Center community practice and receive the care he feels he deserves.
In addition to being an electrician, an HVAC tech, and a graphic designer, Silva also wrote a children’s book to teach kids like his young daughters how to save and manage money. He says he sees a direct parallel between gradually building wealth by saving your allowance and investing in your long-term health by finding the right primary care physician.
“Both give you peace of mind,” says Silva. “And peace of mind is worth the trip.”
What to bring to the Doc’s Office
Research family history and official medical guidelines to focus on specific concerns you might have and certain screenings you might want. For instance, if you’re a woman, you might ask about a mammogram or cervical cancer screening, or if you’re smoker, you might want to know more about tests for lung cancer.
Do a little homework
Write down any questions you might have and list the symptoms you want to ask the doctor about.
Make a list of your concerns and prioritize them
Make a list of all the prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you might be taking, or even bring the actual bottles with you. Also make sure you have your insurance cards, names and contacts of other doctors you see, and even copies of your medical records, if the doctor doesn’t already have them.
Bring along any personal information you have
If you think you might need help remembering all of your questions, aid in communicating with the physician or staff, or just some extra emotional support, ask a trusted friend or loved one to come with you.
Bring a friend or family member
Think back on the time since your last visit and be prepared to tell the doctor about any changes you’ve noticed in your sleep, weight, or energy level.
Update the doctor
A good listener who is also easy to talk to
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Tufts Medical Center is Proud to Partner with our Affiliated Health Care Providers.