Last month we asked you what questions you have when searching for a new doctor, practitioner or specialist. To help make the search process easier, we wanted to know:

What do you look for in a healthcare provider?
What questions do you have when you’re searching for a new physician?
What do you want to know to make the shopping process easier?

Several of you sent in your questions, concerns and needs when you’re on the hunt for healthcare in Lakeland. And Lakeland Regional Health helped us answer them.

But first – some general advice + #protips from Lakeland Regional Health Physician Group when “shopping” for a new physician:

Inquire about the practice’s hours and how after-hours queries are handled.
Schedule an interview/consultation, if the physician offers one. (For instance, LRH offers free 15-minute meet-and-greet consultations with its Pediatricians.)
Ask for names of patients willing to share their experiences with the practice.
List the top three services or philosophies that are important to you and then find someone who matches most – if not all – of those. (If you believe in holistic care, you’ll want to find a physician who takes a more holistic approach.)
Read up on your physician’s background. How long has the physician been practicing? What languages does the physician speak?
Look for physicians who are Board certified or Board eligible. If they are specialists, look for someone who is Fellowship trained.

More tips when on the hunt for new health services:

Learn how many locations the physician practices at. Often, more locations = more convenience for you + your family. But sometimes, a practice with several locations requires a provider to split time at each place.
Find out if you will always see the physician, or if you’ll sometimes see a nurse practitioner or physician assistant. (At institutions like Lakeland Regional Health, all providers are highly skilled + offer exceptional care, but it’s nice to know who to expect.)
Discuss insurance, self-pay + payment arrangement options before your first visit.
Ask about the practice’s appointment cancellation and tardiness policy.
Discover how far out appointments are being scheduled. While a full schedule means the physician is likely well-regarded, you also want your physician to be easily accessible.

Your healthcare Q+As:

Q: “I've lived in Lakeland for decades and I've been fine with my doctor to help me fix most problems, but I think I need a change.

I'm just over 50 and I don't have any major medical issues. And since I want to be in better shape, a couple years ago I started doing sit-ups, pushups, and planking every single day. And in April, when I was tired of weighing too much, I put myself on a modified keto diet, based on some simple research online and combined with experience losing weight with a weight loss doctor 14 years ago. I'm down 20 pounds to a good weight now.

How do I find a GP who is dialed into low carb diet information and who can help me with simple things like minor fitness and diet modifications to my lifestyle so I can get in even better shape without becoming a 'gym rat' or a some kind of crazy food fanatic? Or should I just stick with my GP for problems and checkups, and look for a specialist (nutritionist/personal trainer) as an additional consultant?”
-Larry B.

A: A primary care provider will help you monitor your health and will promote proper diet and fitness, and a registered dietitian and or trainer would be able to provide a more detailed regimen for you.

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Q: “Where can seniors go for advice about Medicare open enrollment?”
-Sherri G.

A: Lakeland Regional Health is holding its annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment event on October 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children on the south side of the Medical Center Campus. Guests can talk with representatives about the plans that Lakeland Regional Health primary care providers currently accept.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) also offers assistance and has several events planned throughout Polk County during the enrollment period – see them online here or call SHINE’s Elder Helpline at 800.963.5337.

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Q: “I want to find a local doctor that specializes in Crohn’s and perhaps more importantly does TDM (therapeutic drug monitoring) of the drugs they prescribe as treatment.

I see the doctors in the big practices in town and have had to cobble together a treatment plan for IBD which has involved 5 doctors, little cooperation between them, and ineffective treatment.

Chronically ill patients need consistent care LOCALLY and doctors need to be willing to work together for the good of the patient.”
-anonymous

A: Your primary care provider may be able to monitor and manage chronic diseases like Crohn’s disease. A Gastroenterologist is specially trained to treat digestion and bowel problems, like Crohn’s. Lakeland Regional Health has two highly skilled Gastroenterologists, Roger Montenegro, MD, and David Vargas, MD. To make an appointment, call 863.284.5000.

In addition, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation also offers a “Find a Doctor” section on its website here.

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Explore the services, practices and providers offered by Lakeland Regional Health here. Ⓟ