October 29, 2024 • 18 mins
Discover the secrets to enhancing your healthcare experience as Bry and Antoine guide you through the intricate process of selecting the perfect primary care provider (PCP) during Health Literacy Month. Learn how to ensure your long-term health is in capable hands, with insights covering everything from preventive care to managing chronic conditions and navigating specialized treatments. We dive into the various types of primary care physicians you can choose from, like family practitioners, pediatricians, and geriatricians, highlighting the importance of finding one that aligns with your unique needs. We also uncover essential factors such as proximity, staff friendliness, communication skills, and insurance compatibility to ensure you feel supported through your healthcare journey.
Prepare to make a great first impression at your initial PCP visit with our practical tips and advice. From bringing along a list of medications and health records to fostering open communication about your expectations and health goals, we've got you covered. Embrace the power of collaboration with your doctor to achieve your health objectives and discover how being receptive to their advice can lead to a productive partnership. Don't forget to visit our podcast website for additional resources, full episode transcripts, and to join our community as we continue to support you through life's transitions. Join us for this enlightening episode of Journey Out and empower yourself and your loved ones with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Journey Out
podcast, where we were designedto be the helping hand for
everyday people who are on theirExodus journey.
I am one of your hosts, bree.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
And I'm Antoine.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
And we are continuing with Health Literacy Month and
we wanted to discuss with youall today about finding the
right primary care provider foryou.
What is home care?
How do I navigate health care?
Speaker 2 (00:22):
What do I do when I feel down and depressed?
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I'm stressed Am I enough?
What can I do?
What is this going to cost?
So what is a primary careprovider?
So a primary care provider is adoctor or licensed medical
professional who manages apatient's health care, usually
as their first point of contactfor medical care.
So choosing the right primarycare and we're going to break
that down like as a PCP is whatyou call that is crucial for
(00:48):
long-term health.
Your PCP plays a role inpreventative care, treating
common health issues andcoordinating with specialized
care.
So talk to me a little bitabout what preventative care
looks like from PCPs.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
So preventative care looks like routine screening,
such as regular checkups,mammograms and prostate exams,
routine shots right Healtheducation, such as diet,
exercise and smoking counseling,chronic disease management,
mental health screening andsending out specialist referrals
.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Awesome.
Okay, so you talked a littlebit about chronic conditions.
So one of the big things thatPCPs do is they manage common
medical conditions.
So PCPs can diagnose and treathealth problems with things like
flu, colds, infections andchronic conditions like diabetes
and high blood pressure, andwhat that role looks like is
(01:39):
prescribing medications.
That's what preventative isPrescribing medications,
developing treatment plans forthose chronic conditions or even
addressing acute issues likeUTIs and things like that.
You also talked about referringout to specialists, so when a
condition requires specializedcare, typically your provider is
going to send you to a doctorthat specializes in that care.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
So if you're a nose-tooth specialist.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Exactly.
Or if you're having heartissues, you're going to send you
to a cardiologist, or thyroidissues, they're going to send
you to an endocrinologist.
So it really just depends onwhat you need, and we'll talk a
little bit more about that, youknow.
Next, but talk to me a littlebit about continuity of care and
kind of how the PCP plays arole in that.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
So continuum of care, ongoing trust and communication
resulting in personalized carewith your PCP.
That's long-term healthmanagement, right.
That's also support duringtransition, such as
hospitalizations and recovery.
Yeah, patient advocacy, such ashelping patients navigate the
healthcare system Right, andthat can be, like you say,
(02:43):
specialists referring them overto certain specialists to do
certain things.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Right, and I think it's important for everyone to
know that a primary careprovider is not just there to
provide the care at yourdoctor's visit.
They're also there to doexactly like you said advocate
for you.
They're there to navigate youto the people who needs that
care, but also it's superimportant that you understand
that they're fighting for you inyour care.
(03:07):
So that's super important toknow.
So let's jump into a little bitabout the types of primary care
physicians that are out there.
So we have family practitioners, and so that's broad care for
patients of all ages.
We also have pediatricians, andthose are specialists for
newborns, children andadolescents.
We also have pediatricians, andthose are specialists for
newborns, children andadolescents.
We also have geriatricians, whofocus on older adults with
(03:30):
aging, health-related issues.
What else do we have?
Speaker 2 (03:34):
You have internal specialists that send adult care
OBGYNs, who often service PCPsto women, especially during the
childbearing years, nursepractitioners and physician
assistants, who offer similarservices as a PCP and can be
excellent choices for primarycare.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Right With these physicians, it's super important
to know where you want to go,who you need to go to.
If you're an adult, 65 yearsold, you're not going to go to a
pediatrician, right?
You're going to go to ageriatrician to make sure that
you're getting the care that youneed Again, personal care,
specialized care specificallyfor you, and then from there
they can make those you knowreferrals out to whomever else
(04:14):
you need to see.
So now let's talk about factorsyou want to consider when
choosing a PCP.
So this is super important.
What would you say would be oneor two or three big factors for
you when choosing a PCP?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
One is location.
Location is a big factor.
The location consider how closeit is to your job and to your
home.
If you need to make anemergency appointment with a PCP
, also in making those emergencyappointments that they have
after hours where there's anurse practitioner or their
physician assistant is availableto see you after work, if you
(04:49):
need to Also do this, is thestaff friendly.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Is the staff friendly and is it easy to communicate
with them?
Right?
Is it easy to get in touch withthem through email or through
the portals that they have setup for?
So those are some things that Ithink I'll be really concerned
with.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Right Now.
I think one of the big thingsthat you said there is like is
it staff friendly?
Character is important whenyou're going in and trying to
find the right PCP, because forme, like yeah, I want you to be
friendly, I want you to be warmand inviting, but also I'm a
very direct person.
You let me know what's going on.
You don't beat around the bush.
I'd rather know than not know.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Let me know and I can make those decisions that I
need to make, and beingcomfortable with your PCP is
paramount, because you arereally opening up Right.
This person has a lot ofinformation about you and you
have to share how you feel withthis person and you have to feel
comfortable in doing that.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
So communication is super, it's key, and so I think
some of the things that I wouldalso say with that would be
insurance and networks, becausea lot of times, what happens is
your insurance company has alist of providers that they are
contracted with, that they workwith.
So one speaking with theinsurance company and figuring
out what providers are on thatlist Okay, and then going from
(06:08):
there and narrowing down yourchoices and your options what's
closest to you, and things likethat.
I think also, like I was sayingearlier, I'm a very direct
person.
I want to know what's going onwith me so that way we can
really talk about my treatment.
So I want to talk aboutapproach to treatment, like what
are you conservative?
Are you a conservative doctor?
Are you a more aggressivedoctor?
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Like how do you interact with?
Speaker 1 (06:33):
other specialists.
Yeah, what's the short term andlong term goal to dealing with
this?
Exactly, exactly and kind oflike what you were also saying
availability what are youroffice hours?
Can I contact you when I havequestions about something that
we thought about later on afterthat appointment?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
What if something just pop up?
Exactly you know that I wasn'taware of right or that that's
concerning to me about my health.
Can I get in contact with youor your staff?
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Yeah, and that's important, that's critical to be
able to have that opencommunication between the both
of you.
We talked about choosing a PCPand you know we talked about
going through the insuranceroute, because that's really
going to determine which doctoryou can go to, checking that
network.
But how do you also researchthe doctor or get even different
referrals from other doctors?
(07:17):
And I would say the first one,I would say, was using online
resources.
There are state medicalassociations, there's your
insurance, of course,directories, advocacy groups for
specific conditions where theysay, hey, Dr So-and-so helped me
and my mom during this cancerand this he was so pivotal in
the growth and her getting offthe chemo meds or whatever that
(07:38):
looked like.
You know going there and askingthose questions too.
What would you say?
Speaker 2 (07:43):
in that aspect of what you're saying.
Recommendation ask forrecommendations, Right, you can
ask recommendations from yourfriends, family or health
professionals like pharmacistsor dentists or whoever you trust
.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Right right.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Those people that you trust have had an experience
with a PCP or someone that theysay, hey, they feel comfortable,
hey, I know you.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
You family, you friend.
I know what you think, how youthink, or you know what you're
looking for this person would bethe best for you.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
I know what you think , how you think or what you're
looking for.
This person would be the bestfor you.
I definitely agree with thatand I think, once you narrow it
down, don't be afraid to set upan interview with your doctor.
Don't be afraid to say hey,just like a consultation yeah.
And I would literally treat itlike hey, I'm about to hire you
to be a part of my life, to helpme make major decisions in my
(08:32):
life.
I need to check the references,I need to run the background
checks, I need to ask all thequestions because when you
interview them, you get a senseof their communication style,
their approach to care, howcomfortable you may feel or not
feel with them.
You get to experience themfirst before you can actually
dive into it.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And that's what we talked about a little bit before
Open communication Opencommunication being trustworthy
Right.
Letting this person know aboutyou, right Right that some wives
or husbands don't know abouttheir spouses, right Right.
But you telling this to yourdoctor right Exactly, and
confiding in him.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So you have to be comfortable.
Yeah.
And so if we take the interviewprocess, like if we're hey, I'm
hiring you to be a part of mymedical team, if we take the
interview process during thatconsultation phase, there are
some questions you want to ask,like how do you prefer to
communicate with your patients?
Is it email, is it phone, is itthe patient portal?
(09:28):
Or what is your approach topreventative care?
And how do you manage chronicconditions?
I have such and such going on.
What is your thoughts aboutthis medication or this
treatment plan, or things likethat?
Additionally, I would also askhow do you involve patients in
the decisions about their care?
(09:48):
To me, that is so that'scritical.
Oh, that is so importantbecause a doctor can say, ok,
we're going to give you thismedication, but what if I want
to take a more alternative route?
Are you comfortable discussing?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
that with me, right?
That's why, again,communication being open with
your PCP and you learn moreabout him, because, hey, if he
say, hey, this is what we wantto use this medication, and you,
like you said, turn the route,or your belief system might say,
hey, no, that don't play a partin what I believe that's huge.
That consultation, thatinterview, as you say, it's a
(10:22):
lot of information that needs tobe laid on the table to help
you make the best decision foryour PCP.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Right, and then, after the interview right or the
consult you talk to, you, askthe questions that you need to
ask.
Okay, now you have to reflecton the answers that you got.
So did the provider take timeto really truly answer your
questions?
Did you feel listened to andrespected during that consult?
Or was the office environmentclean?
(10:46):
Was the staff nice?
What?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
was that first impression?
Was it welcoming when I came inthere?
So first impression.
You only get one time to make afirst impression.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
You do, and so it goes for your medical staff,
your medical team, that you'rewanting to come into your life
and assist you with these bigdecisions.
We talked about how to choose aPCP.
We also talked about somequestions that you want to ask.
If you're able to interview andconsult with them beforehand,
what would you say would be keyfor preparing for your first
(11:18):
appointment?
Speaker 2 (11:21):
When preparing for your first appointment, you want
to bring a list of yourmedications.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Oh yeah, Right, oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And you want to also bring in the medical records
that you have previously Right.
Right, that can help get thedoctor to understand that, with
medications, bring your bottleof medication Right so the
doctor can see everything Rightthat's been that you have been
taking, right, like we saidprevious health workers, of
course, and any questions thatyou may have for the doctor.
(11:51):
You can also have those writtendown and ready to go, ready to
go prepared.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Absolutely.
I agree with that.
I think also, too, one good onewould be Like you said, write
down a list of questions thatyou may have, but also write
down some goals, some healthgoals that you might have.
Discuss your health goals withyour doctor, so be open about
them, whether it's lifestylepreferences or expectations from
them.
Like, hey, so these are some ofthe goals.
If you're on, if you'repre-diabetic right, and you're
(12:20):
taking a medication forwardright now just to try to
maintain it, so, hey, doc, Iwant to get off this medication.
That is a goal for me.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
So help me make a lifestyle change, Help me kind
of come up with a lifestylechange that can best help me
meet that goal and in that, incoming to the doctor's
appointment and being prepared,you got to be prepared for what
the doctor may say.
Right, because not knowing toomuch about the medication you're
taking, your diagnosis or whatyou're dealing with, that doctor
probably say, hey, well, no,this is not a short term or a
(12:53):
long term goal.
Right, the doctor probably seea difference.
So you have to be open mindedto what that doctor will say
once you sit down and have thatconversation.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Agreed, and so that's .
That was one example.
But again, like weight loss,weight loss is a huge goal for
everybody.
Weight management, right.
So again, express that to them.
Hey, I want to lose some weight, I want to regulate my blood
pressure, I want to do all thesethings.
How can I do those things wealready know?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
where this starts, right.
Yeah, when you go to the doctorand you ask them about losing
weight, please be prepared to dosome exercises, right?
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And let me change your diet.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Yes, and change your diet, because those two things
are going to play a big part.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And I know so.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Yeah, well, and it's a two, it's a work in progress.
Yes, and that's also what issuper important to make sure
that, even as you're you knowgoing through your health goals
with your provider, they shouldalso make you feel comfortable
in knowing that, hey, this is awork in progress.
There are steps that we have totake, but let's break this down
(13:57):
in increments that is doablefor you, so that way, when we
come the next time, we see someimprovement and it keeps you on
track to succeed and reach thatgoal.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Now don't get mad at the doctor if you're not getting
no improvement because you'renot doing your part.
Message.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Wait, wait.
I was registering what you weresaying, but no, that is right,
True.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
True, I mean, that's that goes with expectations on
first visits and stuff like that.
You know, listen, the doctor isa doctor for a reason, right?
You know he's not perfect byany means, but he knows what
he's talking about.
And again, when you go and talkto a PCP and you're looking to
find a new PCP, being preparedis crucial, and also being
(14:45):
prepared for the answer youreceive back.
You know what he might say backto you is crucial as well.
Maybe for some people I knowwe're probably getting off the
subject, but for some peopleit's always not what you want to
hear, right, but it's sometimeswhat you need to hear so you
can make the best decision forshort-term and long-term goals.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Right and one of the things I kind of when I started
hey, setting your goals, notjust for health or lifestyle
preferences, but also yourexpectations.
Like you said, how do you wantyour check ins or your follow
ups to go?
But you also got to understandif you have expectations, the
doctor does as well, and it'simportant that you guys can
collaborate and kind ofcompromise and work together to
(15:25):
make sure that you're gettingthe end result that you want.
So I think it's just importantoverall that you prepare
yourself by doing the research,doing what needs to be done, and
then, once you come into yourfirst visit, really honing in on
hey, this is what I'm wanting,this is what I'm dealing with
now.
Let's have a plan to make thismake me better overall health
(15:47):
wise.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
So we discussed a lot in this episode.
We discussed a lot, but here aresome key takeaways that I want
to make sure that you rememberwhen you log off today.
Number one research youroptions, ask family and friends,
check your insurance networkand consider location,
specialties and patient reviewswhen selecting your PCP.
(16:10):
The second thing you want to dois consider that provider's
approach to treatment, theiravailability, continuity of care
and how well you can trust them.
And the third thing you want tomake sure that you take away
from this episode is, whenpreparing for your first visit,
gather all your medical history,prepare your questions, set
some health goals, lifestylepreferences and expectations of
(16:32):
your providers and visits.
But also one thing that Ireally want y'all to remember is
to bring a medication list orlump all your medications into a
bag and bring them with you sothat way, they have a clear
understanding of what you'regoing through and what you're
taking.
So we want you to evaluate yourcurrent PCP or take steps to
find the right one if you don'thave one, utilizing these tips
(16:54):
and tricks to make sure you finda PCP right for you.
To gather all of what we talkedabout today, please click the
link in our bio, taking you overto our podcast website to be
able to download everythingdiscussed today transcribed just
for you, under the transcripttab.
If you've enjoyed what you'veheard today and would like to
hear more, please subscribe andfollow us on youtube, at the
journey out, and on our podcastwebsite.
(17:15):
You can support the journey outpodcast, helping us to continue
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And and with that that's a wrapon today's episode of the
Journey Out, we pray that thethings discussed today have been
a helping hand for you and theones you hold close, positively
bringing you out of one seasonto the next, starting your
(17:36):
Exodus journey.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
And we hope you gain knowledge and learn some
resources so you can be aresource to your family and to
your community.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Yes, sir, bye-bye.
Hello everyone and welcome back to the Journey Out
podcast, where we were designedto be the helping hand for
everyday people who are on theirExodus journey.
I am one of your hosts, bree.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
And I'm Antoine.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
And we are continuing with Health Literacy Month and
we wanted to discuss with youall today about finding the
right primary care provider foryou.
What is home care?
How do I navigate health care?
Speaker 2 (00:22):
What do I do when I feel down and depressed?
Speaker 1 (00:25):
I'm stressed Am I enough?
What can I do?
What is this going to cost?
So what is a primary careprovider?
So a primary care provider is adoctor or licensed medical
professional who manages apatient's health care, usually
as their first point of contactfor medical care.
So choosing the right primarycare and we're going to break
that down like as a PCP is whatyou call that is crucial for
(00:48):
long-term health.
Your PCP plays a role inpreventative care, treating
common health issues andcoordinating with specialized
care.
So talk to me a little bitabout what preventative care
looks like from PCPs.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
So preventative care looks like routine screening,
such as regular checkups,mammograms and prostate exams,
routine shots right Healtheducation, such as diet,
exercise and smoking counseling,chronic disease management,
mental health screening andsending out specialist referrals
.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Awesome.
Okay, so you talked a littlebit about chronic conditions.
So one of the big things thatPCPs do is they manage common
medical conditions.
So PCPs can diagnose and treathealth problems with things like
flu, colds, infections andchronic conditions like diabetes
and high blood pressure, andwhat that role looks like is
(01:39):
prescribing medications.
That's what preventative isPrescribing medications,
developing treatment plans forthose chronic conditions or even
addressing acute issues likeUTIs and things like that.
You also talked about referringout to specialists, so when a
condition requires specializedcare, typically your provider is
going to send you to a doctorthat specializes in that care.
Speaker 2 (02:01):
So if you're a nose-tooth specialist.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Exactly.
Or if you're having heartissues, you're going to send you
to a cardiologist, or thyroidissues, they're going to send
you to an endocrinologist.
So it really just depends onwhat you need, and we'll talk a
little bit more about that, youknow.
Next, but talk to me a littlebit about continuity of care and
kind of how the PCP plays arole in that.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
So continuum of care, ongoing trust and communication
resulting in personalized carewith your PCP.
That's long-term healthmanagement, right.
That's also support duringtransition, such as
hospitalizations and recovery.
Yeah, patient advocacy, such ashelping patients navigate the
healthcare system Right, andthat can be, like you say,
(02:43):
specialists referring them overto certain specialists to do
certain things.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
Right, and I think it's important for everyone to
know that a primary careprovider is not just there to
provide the care at yourdoctor's visit.
They're also there to doexactly like you said advocate
for you.
They're there to navigate youto the people who needs that
care, but also it's superimportant that you understand
that they're fighting for you inyour care.
(03:07):
So that's super important toknow.
So let's jump into a little bitabout the types of primary care
physicians that are out there.
So we have family practitioners, and so that's broad care for
patients of all ages.
We also have pediatricians, andthose are specialists for
newborns, children andadolescents.
We also have pediatricians, andthose are specialists for
newborns, children andadolescents.
We also have geriatricians, whofocus on older adults with
(03:30):
aging, health-related issues.
What else do we have?
Speaker 2 (03:34):
You have internal specialists that send adult care
OBGYNs, who often service PCPsto women, especially during the
childbearing years, nursepractitioners and physician
assistants, who offer similarservices as a PCP and can be
excellent choices for primarycare.
Speaker 1 (03:53):
Right With these physicians, it's super important
to know where you want to go,who you need to go to.
If you're an adult, 65 yearsold, you're not going to go to a
pediatrician, right?
You're going to go to ageriatrician to make sure that
you're getting the care that youneed Again, personal care,
specialized care specificallyfor you, and then from there
they can make those you knowreferrals out to whomever else
(04:14):
you need to see.
So now let's talk about factorsyou want to consider when
choosing a PCP.
So this is super important.
What would you say would be oneor two or three big factors for
you when choosing a PCP?
Speaker 2 (04:27):
One is location.
Location is a big factor.
The location consider how closeit is to your job and to your
home.
If you need to make anemergency appointment with a PCP
, also in making those emergencyappointments that they have
after hours where there's anurse practitioner or their
physician assistant is availableto see you after work, if you
(04:49):
need to Also do this, is thestaff friendly.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Right.
Speaker 2 (04:53):
Is the staff friendly and is it easy to communicate
with them?
Right?
Is it easy to get in touch withthem through email or through
the portals that they have setup for?
So those are some things that Ithink I'll be really concerned
with.
Speaker 1 (05:06):
Right Now.
I think one of the big thingsthat you said there is like is
it staff friendly?
Character is important whenyou're going in and trying to
find the right PCP, because forme, like yeah, I want you to be
friendly, I want you to be warmand inviting, but also I'm a
very direct person.
You let me know what's going on.
You don't beat around the bush.
I'd rather know than not know.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
Let me know and I can make those decisions that I
need to make, and beingcomfortable with your PCP is
paramount, because you arereally opening up Right.
This person has a lot ofinformation about you and you
have to share how you feel withthis person and you have to feel
comfortable in doing that.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
So communication is super, it's key, and so I think
some of the things that I wouldalso say with that would be
insurance and networks, becausea lot of times, what happens is
your insurance company has alist of providers that they are
contracted with, that they workwith.
So one speaking with theinsurance company and figuring
out what providers are on thatlist Okay, and then going from
(06:08):
there and narrowing down yourchoices and your options what's
closest to you, and things likethat.
I think also, like I was sayingearlier, I'm a very direct
person.
I want to know what's going onwith me so that way we can
really talk about my treatment.
So I want to talk aboutapproach to treatment, like what
are you conservative?
Are you a conservative doctor?
Are you a more aggressivedoctor?
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Like how do you interact with?
Speaker 1 (06:33):
other specialists.
Yeah, what's the short term andlong term goal to dealing with
this?
Exactly, exactly and kind oflike what you were also saying
availability what are youroffice hours?
Can I contact you when I havequestions about something that
we thought about later on afterthat appointment?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
What if something just pop up?
Exactly you know that I wasn'taware of right or that that's
concerning to me about my health.
Can I get in contact with youor your staff?
Speaker 1 (06:56):
Yeah, and that's important, that's critical to be
able to have that opencommunication between the both
of you.
We talked about choosing a PCPand you know we talked about
going through the insuranceroute, because that's really
going to determine which doctoryou can go to, checking that
network.
But how do you also researchthe doctor or get even different
referrals from other doctors?
(07:17):
And I would say the first one,I would say, was using online
resources.
There are state medicalassociations, there's your
insurance, of course,directories, advocacy groups for
specific conditions where theysay, hey, Dr So-and-so helped me
and my mom during this cancerand this he was so pivotal in
the growth and her getting offthe chemo meds or whatever that
(07:38):
looked like.
You know going there and askingthose questions too.
What would you say?
Speaker 2 (07:43):
in that aspect of what you're saying.
Recommendation ask forrecommendations, Right, you can
ask recommendations from yourfriends, family or health
professionals like pharmacistsor dentists or whoever you trust
.
Speaker 1 (07:53):
Right right.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
Those people that you trust have had an experience
with a PCP or someone that theysay, hey, they feel comfortable,
hey, I know you.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Right.
Speaker 2 (08:03):
You family, you friend.
I know what you think, how youthink, or you know what you're
looking for this person would bethe best for you.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
I know what you think , how you think or what you're
looking for.
This person would be the bestfor you.
I definitely agree with thatand I think, once you narrow it
down, don't be afraid to set upan interview with your doctor.
Don't be afraid to say hey,just like a consultation yeah.
And I would literally treat itlike hey, I'm about to hire you
to be a part of my life, to helpme make major decisions in my
(08:32):
life.
I need to check the references,I need to run the background
checks, I need to ask all thequestions because when you
interview them, you get a senseof their communication style,
their approach to care, howcomfortable you may feel or not
feel with them.
You get to experience themfirst before you can actually
dive into it.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
And that's what we talked about a little bit before
Open communication Opencommunication being trustworthy
Right.
Letting this person know aboutyou, right Right that some wives
or husbands don't know abouttheir spouses, right Right.
But you telling this to yourdoctor right Exactly, and
confiding in him.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So you have to be comfortable.
Yeah.
And so if we take the interviewprocess, like if we're hey, I'm
hiring you to be a part of mymedical team, if we take the
interview process during thatconsultation phase, there are
some questions you want to ask,like how do you prefer to
communicate with your patients?
Is it email, is it phone, is itthe patient portal?
(09:28):
Or what is your approach topreventative care?
And how do you manage chronicconditions?
I have such and such going on.
What is your thoughts aboutthis medication or this
treatment plan, or things likethat?
Additionally, I would also askhow do you involve patients in
the decisions about their care?
(09:48):
To me, that is so that'scritical.
Oh, that is so importantbecause a doctor can say, ok,
we're going to give you thismedication, but what if I want
to take a more alternative route?
Are you comfortable discussing?
Speaker 2 (09:59):
that with me, right?
That's why, again,communication being open with
your PCP and you learn moreabout him, because, hey, if he
say, hey, this is what we wantto use this medication, and you,
like you said, turn the route,or your belief system might say,
hey, no, that don't play a partin what I believe that's huge.
That consultation, thatinterview, as you say, it's a
(10:22):
lot of information that needs tobe laid on the table to help
you make the best decision foryour PCP.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Right, and then, after the interview right or the
consult you talk to, you, askthe questions that you need to
ask.
Okay, now you have to reflecton the answers that you got.
So did the provider take timeto really truly answer your
questions?
Did you feel listened to andrespected during that consult?
Or was the office environmentclean?
(10:46):
Was the staff nice?
What?
Speaker 2 (10:49):
was that first impression?
Was it welcoming when I came inthere?
So first impression.
You only get one time to make afirst impression.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
You do, and so it goes for your medical staff,
your medical team, that you'rewanting to come into your life
and assist you with these bigdecisions.
We talked about how to choose aPCP.
We also talked about somequestions that you want to ask.
If you're able to interview andconsult with them beforehand,
what would you say would be keyfor preparing for your first
(11:18):
appointment?
Speaker 2 (11:21):
When preparing for your first appointment, you want
to bring a list of yourmedications.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Oh yeah, Right, oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (11:27):
And you want to also bring in the medical records
that you have previously Right.
Right, that can help get thedoctor to understand that, with
medications, bring your bottleof medication Right so the
doctor can see everything Rightthat's been that you have been
taking, right, like we saidprevious health workers, of
course, and any questions thatyou may have for the doctor.
(11:51):
You can also have those writtendown and ready to go, ready to
go prepared.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
Absolutely.
I agree with that.
I think also, too, one good onewould be Like you said, write
down a list of questions thatyou may have, but also write
down some goals, some healthgoals that you might have.
Discuss your health goals withyour doctor, so be open about
them, whether it's lifestylepreferences or expectations from
them.
Like, hey, so these are some ofthe goals.
If you're on, if you'repre-diabetic right, and you're
(12:20):
taking a medication forwardright now just to try to
maintain it, so, hey, doc, Iwant to get off this medication.
That is a goal for me.
Speaker 2 (12:31):
So help me make a lifestyle change, Help me kind
of come up with a lifestylechange that can best help me
meet that goal and in that, incoming to the doctor's
appointment and being prepared,you got to be prepared for what
the doctor may say.
Right, because not knowing toomuch about the medication you're
taking, your diagnosis or whatyou're dealing with, that doctor
probably say, hey, well, no,this is not a short term or a
(12:53):
long term goal.
Right, the doctor probably seea difference.
So you have to be open mindedto what that doctor will say
once you sit down and have thatconversation.
Speaker 1 (13:01):
Agreed, and so that's .
That was one example.
But again, like weight loss,weight loss is a huge goal for
everybody.
Weight management, right.
So again, express that to them.
Hey, I want to lose some weight, I want to regulate my blood
pressure, I want to do all thesethings.
How can I do those things wealready know?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
where this starts, right.
Yeah, when you go to the doctorand you ask them about losing
weight, please be prepared to dosome exercises, right?
Speaker 1 (13:28):
And let me change your diet.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
Yes, and change your diet, because those two things
are going to play a big part.
Speaker 1 (13:35):
Right.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
And I know so.
Speaker 1 (13:37):
Yeah, well, and it's a two, it's a work in progress.
Yes, and that's also what issuper important to make sure
that, even as you're you knowgoing through your health goals
with your provider, they shouldalso make you feel comfortable
in knowing that, hey, this is awork in progress.
There are steps that we have totake, but let's break this down
(13:57):
in increments that is doablefor you, so that way, when we
come the next time, we see someimprovement and it keeps you on
track to succeed and reach thatgoal.
Speaker 2 (14:07):
Now don't get mad at the doctor if you're not getting
no improvement because you'renot doing your part.
Message.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Wait, wait.
I was registering what you weresaying, but no, that is right,
True.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
True, I mean, that's that goes with expectations on
first visits and stuff like that.
You know, listen, the doctor isa doctor for a reason, right?
You know he's not perfect byany means, but he knows what
he's talking about.
And again, when you go and talkto a PCP and you're looking to
find a new PCP, being preparedis crucial, and also being
(14:45):
prepared for the answer youreceive back.
You know what he might say backto you is crucial as well.
Maybe for some people I knowwe're probably getting off the
subject, but for some peopleit's always not what you want to
hear, right, but it's sometimeswhat you need to hear so you
can make the best decision forshort-term and long-term goals.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
Right and one of the things I kind of when I started
hey, setting your goals, notjust for health or lifestyle
preferences, but also yourexpectations.
Like you said, how do you wantyour check ins or your follow
ups to go?
But you also got to understandif you have expectations, the
doctor does as well, and it'simportant that you guys can
collaborate and kind ofcompromise and work together to
(15:25):
make sure that you're gettingthe end result that you want.
So I think it's just importantoverall that you prepare
yourself by doing the research,doing what needs to be done, and
then, once you come into yourfirst visit, really honing in on
hey, this is what I'm wanting,this is what I'm dealing with
now.
Let's have a plan to make thismake me better overall health
(15:47):
wise.
Speaker 2 (15:48):
I agree.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
So we discussed a lot in this episode.
We discussed a lot, but here aresome key takeaways that I want
to make sure that you rememberwhen you log off today.
Number one research youroptions, ask family and friends,
check your insurance networkand consider location,
specialties and patient reviewswhen selecting your PCP.
(16:10):
The second thing you want to dois consider that provider's
approach to treatment, theiravailability, continuity of care
and how well you can trust them.
And the third thing you want tomake sure that you take away
from this episode is, whenpreparing for your first visit,
gather all your medical history,prepare your questions, set
some health goals, lifestylepreferences and expectations of
(16:32):
your providers and visits.
But also one thing that Ireally want y'all to remember is
to bring a medication list orlump all your medications into a
bag and bring them with you sothat way, they have a clear
understanding of what you'regoing through and what you're
taking.
So we want you to evaluate yourcurrent PCP or take steps to
find the right one if you don'thave one, utilizing these tips
(16:54):
and tricks to make sure you finda PCP right for you.
To gather all of what we talkedabout today, please click the
link in our bio, taking you overto our podcast website to be
able to download everythingdiscussed today transcribed just
for you, under the transcripttab.
If you've enjoyed what you'veheard today and would like to
hear more, please subscribe andfollow us on youtube, at the
journey out, and on our podcastwebsite.
(17:15):
You can support the journey outpodcast, helping us to continue
to provide these episodes everyweek, as well as follow us on
all podcast platforms.
And and with that that's a wrapon today's episode of the
Journey Out, we pray that thethings discussed today have been
a helping hand for you and theones you hold close, positively
bringing you out of one seasonto the next, starting your
(17:36):
Exodus journey.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
And we hope you gain knowledge and learn some
resources so you can be aresource to your family and to
your community.
Speaker 1 (17:43):
Yes, sir, bye-bye.
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