New program links residents with family doctors

Alaska Highway News - Prince George Citizen - February 25, 2013

B.C. residents having difficulty finding a family doctor stand to benefit from a new program for primary care announced Friday in Vancouver.

The $132.4 million GP and Me program will match patients with doctors and offer financial incentives for general practitioners provincewide to take on more patients, especially those with complex medical conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. The goal of the program, which starts April 1, is to ensure every B.C. resident will have a family doctor by 2015.

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Tips for an Effective Doctor-Patient Relationship

• See your family doctor first for all your health care needs, except in the case of emergencies. If they can’t provide the care you need in their own practice, they can refer you to the right health care professional.

• If you must go to another health care provider, including the hospital or emergency room, tell them who your regular family doctor is. Request that your doctor be sent any instructions or results. Then your doctor will have your complete and accurate medical history.

• Be prepared: make a list of things you want to discuss at your appointment. Be clear about your requirements when booking.

• Be patient: even the most organized doctor will have to deal with unexpected emergencies throughout the day, and you may have to wait for your appointment.

• Communicate openly with your doctor, and expect the same of them.

• Know your medical history; be prepared to tell your doctor about any drugs or supplements you take, steps you’ve taken to deal with your condition(s) etc.

• Make sure you understand the doctor’s instructions before you leave the appointment.

• Follow through on all tests, referrals, medications etc. that your doctor prescribes.

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New program links residents with family doctors