"Finding Dr. Right" will provide patients the opportunity to sit down and briefly interview 10 internal medicine and family medicine physicians in a "speed dating" format to determine who is right for them.
"This gives people a chance to meet a number of great doctors and get a good feel for their personalities and expertise without having to drive around town visiting several offices," said Laurice Knox, a marketing manager who heads the new program for NCH www.nch.org. "Finding Dr. Right" is based on the concept of speed dating, which involves brief chats with potential suitors."
In this case, prospective patients will talk with each primary care physician for five minutes and then rotate to the next doctor at the sound of a bell.
"We're keeping things moving in a fun way because we know people have limited time," Knox adds. "It's a fast way to get your important questions answered while learning about a physician's approach to healthcare."
The first two programs are from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 26, at the hospital's Wellness Center, 900 W. Central Road in Arlington Heights. Physician referral specialists will be on hand to help coordinate next steps when community members find a doctor that meets their medical needs. Seats are limited at this free event, so registration is required by calling HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU (4968). You can also register online by visiting the hospital's website at www.nch.org/classes.
FINDING DR. RIGHT
6 TO 7:30 pm
October 19 and 26
NCH Wellness Center
900 W. Central Road
Arlington Heights
847.618.4YOU (4968)
www.nch.org/classes
Questions that might help make the match with your Dr. Right.
You might not be able to "Speed Date" your doctor, but when choosing a physician, there are some basic questions you should ask, according to Laurice Knox of Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights.
Why did you make a decision to become a doctor, and specialize in Internal Medicine/Family Practice?
Do you have any special interests or experience in treating specific diseases?
How would your patients describe your "bedside manner?"
As your patient, what would you expect from me to have a good doctor-patient relationship?
How long does it take for me to get an appointment to see you?
What can I expect from my first visit with you?
Do you have evening or weekend office visit hours?
If I have to have lab or diagnostic tests, where will I go for those?
If I need to reach you after hours, is it possible for me to do so?
If I'm in the hospital, will you come to see me?
On the personal side, do you have family, pets, and personal hobbies that you enjoy in your free time?
