What should be considered when changing the family doctor?
When my long-term family doctor went into well-deserved retirement last year, his practice was taken over by a young doctor. As far as nothing unusual. I had agreed to the transfer of my medical file and was looking forward to? The new one ?. But on my first visit to the exuberant practice, it quickly became clear that this would not be the same for us, in a purely medical sense. The chemistry between us was not right, and the new designer chairs in the waiting room were uncomfortable.
I informed the doctor during the consultation that I had decided not to become a member of her patient register. Despite her diligent professionalism, I saw a look of relief flit across her face. As I said, the chemistry? We shook hands and I did not have a GP anymore.
Below I would like to search for a new? Doctor of trust? Share your findings with you.
What are family doctors and what do they do?
According to the currently available medical statistics of the German Medical Association (BÄK), in 2015 there were 371,302 medically active physicians nationwide. Around 60,000 of them practice as so-called family doctors. GPs include GPs, GPs in internal medicine and GPs without specialist recognition. Specialists in paediatrics and adolescent medicine (formerly paediatricians) are among the family doctors.
In addition to pharmacists, family doctors are usually the first port of call for people with health problems or questions. In the best case, a family doctor looks after his patients over a long period of time. He knows her medical history as well as her personal career and can therefore advise and treat very individually. The relationship of trust that has developed over many years often allows the family doctor to gain better access to the patient even in the case of psychological problems or conflicts than would be the case with the (unknown) specialist.
Reasons for a change of family doctor
Whether (as in my case) the family doctor reaches the retirement age, dies or moves to another city remains the same: he is no longer available. Besides these obvious occasions, which require a change of doctor, there are of course private reasons on the part of the patient. A move, a (for whatever reason) disturbed relationship of trust, the feeling to be handled or incompetent advice and treatment are just a few examples. Basically, any feeling of discomfort at the doctor's visit, which does not stem from an illness, should be taken seriously. Fortunately, in Germany there is the right of free choice of doctor.
Legal situation medical record
The medical record created by the family doctor is his property. This means that he does not have to hand them over to the patient when changing doctors. However, as a patient, you have been entitled to inspect the file since February 2013 according to § 630 g BGB (Civil Code) and can request copies or a printout. Attention: The doctor may charge the copies with up to 50 cents per page. With a large file a lot of costs can come together here. Under certain circumstances, this insight can be denied if (due to medical lawyer Dr. Björn Schmitz-Luhn): • there are significant therapeutic reasons or the rights of third parties are violated. This option was introduced primarily for the psychiatric field, for example, to protect patients from the threat of self-harm or not to jeopardize the success of the therapy. Will the inspection? also in parts? this must be justified. "
For the presentation to a new doctor, it makes sense in each case to take copies of the medical record. This simplifies the anamnesis and gives the doctor a solid basic knowledge of the history of the disease.
The search
Often, the question can help in the circle of friends, acquaintances or colleagues. If this does not result in a recommendation, it is worth taking a look at the internet. With physician search programs (for example: physician search of the pharmacies Umschau) one can search specifically for doctors in the own zip code area. With the named portal one can over the menu item? Advanced search? also already selection criteria, for example, to talk times, accessibility, doctor, set home visits and transport links.
The checklist for the first visit
In advance:
- Is the practice easy to reach by phone, or am I stuck in a waiting loop?
- How long do I have to wait for the first appointment?
- Do the office hours fit my personal rhythm?
- Is the practice easy to achieve?
- Is accessibility available? Even if that is currently not an issue? it could become one.
- Does the practice make a tidy and clean impression?
- Are the receptionists friendly or disinterested?
- Is the waiting room attractively furnished?
- How long do I have to wait?
In the consulting room:
- For the first impression, there is no second chance, so: turn on gut feeling and take it seriously.
- Is the doctor interested and listening to me? Does he let me finish?
- Did he see my medical file in advance?
- Do I feel like I'm in a sales pitch? If so, that's a very bad sign.
- Can I imagine revealing private and intimate things to this person in an emergency?
- Does the doctor look at his watch during the conversation (often) and seems to be in a hurry?
- He asks the important question before the adoption: "Any questions?
If most questions on this (certainly incomplete) list can be answered to personal satisfaction, chances are good that you've made the right choice. If not, only a new start with another doctor will help. Thanks to the recommendation of a friend, I am now well looked after by doctors and looking forward to your comments on this topic.
