OT - Finding a Holistic Friendly Doctor

msarro

Greets all!
Just curious, my company just changed its insurance coverage, and I'm trying to find a new personal care provider. Specifically, I'd like a doctor that is familiar with holistic medicine because I've had too many bad experiences with doctors who basically are nothing but legal drug dealers. I haven't had a personal care doctor for close to 6 years because I got tired of being told that *EVERYTHING* had to be fixed with pills.

How do I go about doing this? I have a listing of all of the in-network doctors in my area, but how can I find out which ones are willing to provide holistic alternatives instead of just trying to push pills for everything?

msarro

Greets all!
Just curious, my company just changed its insurance coverage, and I'm trying to find a new personal care provider. Specifically, I'd like a doctor that is familiar with holistic medicine because I've had too many bad experiences with doctors who basically are nothing but legal drug dealers. I haven't had a personal care doctor for close to 6 years because I got tired of being told that *EVERYTHING* had to be fixed with pills.

How do I go about doing this? I have a listing of all of the in-network doctors in my area, but how can I find out which ones are willing to provide holistic alternatives instead of just trying to push pills for everything?

LokiFae

The only real way to do that is to call them and ask their policies, or meet with them and discuss what you would like from your doctor-patient relationship. Most doctors I've been to are willing to at least discuss alternative treatments, if they don't recommend them, they at least will discuss the pros and cons with me. The most important thing about finding a doctor is just finding one that you feel comfortable with. Good luck!

(Also, I've found that being really up-front about my wants and needs from them makes me less fearful of them. I used to be very meek with my doctors and just did whatever they said, took the pills, etc. But now, I just tell them up front that I don't always want a pill, that I would like to discuss ways to avoid having to be on medication, etc. I think they respect you a little more too. Not that doctors don't always respect patients, but they're so insanely busy sometimes it feels like they don't have enough time for me. So I always make sure I let them know when I call that I want a little more time with them, so they should schedule me enough time to really get my questions answered. Whew, sorry, didn't mean to ramble like that. I've had to deal with a lot of doctors lately.)

stschulz

I am seeing a nurse practitioner. Granted I am not objective 'cause I am working on being a nurse. But the reason why I see her is that she always has time to discuss things, she listens to my concerns and thoughts and she has good advise. The doctor in that practice saw me once. % min. In and out, everything is fine, have a nice day. Not for me! the one time a year I go there I want more attention than that. I believe that she is really the best person to see first. She will by herself suggest to see a doctor if that is necessary.

msarro

Yeah, for my insurance policy I have to stipulate a primary care provider, and I don't currently have one - so, that means finding a doctor. I'm thinking I'm going to talk to people at local health food stores and stuff, maybe they can shed some light on this.

nelleybelley

Sounds like you would like a homeopath.

lotusfromthemud

I would ask around and find a naturopath in your area, and see if you could have a consult with them to see if they could recommend a GP. Sort of "back door". Some doctors SAY that they are "holistic", but aren't. Also, in my experience, DOs are more open than MDs, but my last MD was wonderful. . .I hated to move away and leave her.

Good luck, it's not easy to get away from the "pill pushing", trust me.

oh, and the catchphrase I always use when introducing myself to a new Dr. is "I really only like to use medication as a last resort.". Indicating, that I'm willing to be pro-active in my health, not just want magic pills all the time.