Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you'll make about your health care. Finding the right one can take a little work, but is well worth it. If you’ve already had your first visit with a primary care doctor under your new plan, ask yourself these 5 questions to make sure your doctor is the right one for you:

1. Did you feel the doctor cared about your health and about you as a person?
2. Did the doctor listen to you and address your needs?
3. Did the doctor use words you could understand and talk to you in a way that made you feel comfortable?
4. Was he or she respectful of your opinions, culture, and beliefs?
5. Did you feel like you could ask questions at the appointment or call the doctor later with questions?

If you answered "Yes" to these questions, you may have found a doctor that's right for you. If you answered "No" to any of these questions, ask yourself if you think the doctor would make changes if you spoke up. Sometimes, that’s the best way to get what you need.

It may take more than one appointment when choosing the right doctor for you. Take the time to explore your options. If you’re not satisfied with your primary care doctor, you can look for another doctor in your network. Your insurance company may be able to help you with this. Make sure to tell them what you’re looking for, like a doctor who has certain hours, is a specific gender or speaks a certain language.

It's important to find a doctor who meets your needs. Having a good doctor you can trust can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

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Choosing the right doctor or other health care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make about your health care. You should look for a doctor you can trust and work with to improve your health and well-being.

Here are some tips for how to find a doctor near you:

• Call your insurance company or state Medicaid and CHIP program. Look at their website or check your member handbook to find doctors in your network who take your health coverage.
• Ask your friends or family if they have doctors they like and use this tool to compare doctors and other health care providers in your area.

Once you’ve found a doctor, schedule your first visit. Be sure to tell the office if you’re a new patient, the name of the doctor you want to see, and the reason for your appointment. If you already have a doctor you like and want to keep working with, call their office and ask if they accept your coverage.

Here are some ways to prepare for your first appointment:

• Make sure you have items like your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of any medications you’re currently taking.
• Review your family health history before your appointment, so you can share this information with your doctor.
• Ask about any questions or concerns you have about your health – write them down so you don’t forget to ask.

Watch the video: "Finding a Provider" - from Coverage to Care

Watch the video: "My First Visit" - from Coverage to Care

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The official first day of summer is right around the corner. As we enter a new season, it’s important to be proactive with your health. One simple way to manage your health is to practice preventive care.

Preventive services include:

• screenings for things like cancer, depression, blood pressure, cholesterol and tobacco use
• immunization vaccines like the flu shot and Tetanus vaccine
• check-ups
• patient counseling for alcohol misuse, tobacco use and diet

These services are used to prevent illnesses, disease, and other health problems, or to detect illness at an early stage when treatment is likely to work best.

Did you know that your Marketplace health care plan must cover a variety of preventive services without charging you a copayment or coinsurance when you use a network provider? This is true even if you haven’t met your yearly deductible. Additional preventive services may be available for women and children.

Getting recommended preventive services and making healthy lifestyle choices are key steps to good health and well-being. Don’t take a summer break from your health – find out what preventive services you’re eligible for by contacting your health plan today.

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