b'Life with MSCChhoooossiinnggYYoouurrPPrriimmaarryyCCaarreePPhhyyssiicciiaannI deennttiiffyytthhoosseecchhaarraacctteerriissttiiccsstthhaattaarreeIdbbeessttssuuiitteeddwwiitthhyyoouurrppeerrssoonnaalliittyyBy Cherie BinnsWhenchoosinganewprimarycareand learn, while at the same time sharing physician, what are some qualities that areyour past experience as a way to better important to you? They may be different fromunderstand how to successfully move in a one individual to another, so it is important tonew direction. identify what will enhance your relationship2. Be clear about your goals for the relationship and make it productive as soon as possible.(or the specic visit) to focus the encounter For one person, the top requirement may beon what needs to be done in the moment.accessibility by phone, email, or portal. For3. Understand the expectations each party another, it could be age or gender. Backgroundin the relationship has and be willing to and experience could also factor into yourcompromise, if needed, so each of you gets decision. I would suggest that the relationshipwhat you need. should ultimately not be about just the qualities4. Even if you think you understand a plan of and characteristics of the primary care physician,care or the risks of a treatment, be willing but also about what you have to bring to thatto listen with an open mind to feedback or relationship to make it more dynamic andconcerns on what you are asking for.fruitful.It can be fairly easy when starting with a We need to bring certain things into anynew practice to put your guidelines and goals relationship in order for it to be successful.into place, but this is also possible in an Generally, I think, if we are entering into aexisting relationship that is not working as romantic relationship, we look for similarwell as you might like. Set an appointment interests, an easy-going personality, a senseforafocus visit.Beopenabout what you of humor, and the ability to compromise. Inthinkyouneedfromyourprimarycare our work relationships, we may work betterphysicianandbe willingtolistento what with others who are willing to problem-solveyour primary care physician needs from you. and are open to the needs of the entire team.It really is a two-way street and if each of you A healthcare relationship is really not muchunderstands the others goals and limitations, different. We want to identify those characteristicsexpectations can be met. that are best suited with our personalities.Blue Cross/Blue Shield, one of the largest Here are some tips to making that relationshipprivate insurers in the United States, gives ve work better for you and your primary carepoints to consider when choosing a primary physician.care physician. 1. Be a student and a teacher. Be willing to listen1. Determine which doctors are in your network. 10 msfocusmagazine.org'