Life is moving at the proverbial speed of light. We’re in the midst of all that goes into relocating, including selling the house, transitioning between jobs, and looking at where to settle down in our new locale. Why would I put myself through all the trouble when we’re settled down here in Southern California? I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go back to Northern California where I grew up and attended university. I feel this move will serve my family’s needs. And I believe it’s a place I could potentially retire some years down the road. After I move, though, I’ll need to find a new dermatologist. Finding new doctors in a new medical care system concerns me the most about relocating.
A view from my back patio
I enjoy a great working relationship with my dermatologist and other doctors in my HMO. If I need anything I know which numbers to call or email addresses that will get my questions answered quickly. Building trust with a doctor comes over time. It’s a two-way relationship where the patient comes to trust the judgment of the doctor, and the doctor learns the condition and character of the patient. Over the decades I can count on one hand the number of doctors I’ve truly trusted with my condition. Others may not understand psoriasis well enough to treat my particular case, don’t think much outside the box, are not responsive or available, or don’t spend the time to care to listen to my ideas and concerns. I believe in my dermatologist’s approach, philosophy of treatment, and training. The whole medical team in the dermatology clinic looks out for my best interests, not just the bottom-line.
Will I find someone I can trust as much, or a team that is as caring as they are?
My search began online. I had no idea about websites where you can find reviews for doctors until now. My new HMO’s website helped me narrow down dermatologists in the health plan who are close to where I’ll work and live. The National Psoriasis Foundation’s site also has a list of dermatologists in their Health Care Provider Directory who serve the psoriasis patient community. So far I’ve narrowed my search down to a couple of doctors I want to further screen once I move in the New Year. The process has begun. I just don’t know where it will lead me.
I spent the last couple weekends back in the Sacramento area meeting with people I’ll be working with and looking for housing. The stress of moving is real and increasing as the days go by. With all the stress and lack of sleep I expected my psoriasis to be in much worse condition. Thankfully my treatment’s holding up well, so my psoriasis is not much worse than before. If I can find a dermatologist I can trust the transition will be all that much easier.