We’re moving. We’re downsizing. We’re not going far, but just far enough that we may need to revise our Support Group, i.e. doctors, dentists, hair stylists, etc. Unfortunately, as seniors we tend to see our doctors and other professionals often enough to be on a first name basis. Sometimes, these professionals can identify good practitioners in your new area that they can comfortably recommend and offer a referral. That referral can be especially helpful with providers of excellence whose docket of Medicare patients is at or near completion.
Often, however, they simply may not know of anyone in the area you have chosen. In that instance, you are left to your own devices, and the challenge can be intimidating. You are left with very little helpful guidance, e.g. -
- Local professional organizations of the major affiliates, e.g. AMA or ADA, or
- An area publication that periodically selects the “Best” physicians, dentists, etc., or
- An Internet search.
If you find yourself in that situation, you might find the approach that we have used somewhat helpful. The steps to this approach follow.
- Do your research, and find the “best” professional that practices in your area.
- Search the faculties of the local medical or dental schools as a start.
- Do not be deterred if you learn that these practitioners are not accepting any new Medicare or other patients.
- Call and request an appointment within a 1-2 month time-frame.
- When you are told that an appointment is “not possible”, request the name of an alternative provider that they would recommend.
- Make an appointment with that professional. Typically, that provider will have comparable skills, but will not be as market savvy. As of this writing, the talent of market savvy has never been known to have any impact on the level of professional care.
The professionals we have found using this approach have been quite competent. However, it obviously doesn’t work for hair stylists. To find that person, you still have to observe the coifs of others in the shops and offices you visit and simply ask, “Who does your hair?”
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