Doctor, Doctor

[drewan]

Since joining the adult world I've never had a primary care physician. No regular doctor. For the past 15 years, I've just accepted who ever was available at my local clinic. I guess that really didn't mean much though since I typically only saw the doctor for a minute or two. Sometimes it wasn't even a doctor that I saw, but some kind of doctor/nurse hybrid creature.

I think I would like to find a regular doctor. There aren't any specific medical issues that is making this urgent, but I'm in my 30's now and as I get older I'll be facing more medical issues. I think I would be more comfortable talking with a doctor who knows me, rather than having to re-explain my life to each new person I meet with.

A while back I came across the GLMA (Gay Lesbian Medical Association) website, that has a Health Care Referrals page. I might check with one of these doctors.

Comments

[legalmoose]

I used GLMA to find the guy who is my PCP and have been very happy with him. And I firmly believe that (at least for me), it's much, much more comfortable having a queer doctor who actually understands what's going on and doesn't get all weirded when you need to talk about sex stuff (or just normal, non-hetero life stuff).

[bitbear.livejournal.com]

I've got a gay doc that I like.
Through three different insurance changes, he's still my doctor and I see him for all my issues. It's nice to know that he knows something about me, or at least recognizes me and I don't have to re-explain everything, every time.

I too wanted someone that I could see over a long period of time. It has made me happy. Good luck in your search.

[logisticslad.livejournal.com]

I went through this process last year when the hospital housing my PCP closed and I started serving on committees with him. I checked GLMA and got suggestions from my colleagues. It was important for me to have someone who was sensitive to bi issues and who would be willing to explain things to me as a colleague rather than as a patient (since I do teach med school, after all). So far I have been very happy with my new doc and much moer in tune with him than my previous one (who had just happened to be available when I had made my first appt).

[lifecoach.livejournal.com]

I think it's helpful to find a doctor you can relate with and who relates to you as a gay person. I would also recommend finding a doctor that is not adverse to alternative medicine. My current doctor just kept refilling my high blood pressure meds even when I've told her I want to cut back. I've cut out all high blood pressure meds for 6 weeks now and have no ill effects and my blood pressure didn't go up past "mild". I do check my blood pressure regularly. Whatever you do don't get a pill-pusher who wants to try every new med on you.