Don't Wait Journey: It’s too hard to find a doctor I’m comfortable with

Welcome to the 
Don’t Wait Health Challenge

Did you know that almost half of women don’t get their recommended checkups and screenings? Today we’re kicking off theSkimm’s Don’t Wait health challenge. Each day this week in the Daily Skimm, we’ll help you take one small, impactful step toward getting your preventative care. We’ll also suggest tools and resources to make it as easy as possible.

Figure out what you need.

Yesterday you told us it’s hard to find a doctor you’re comfortable with. (Honestly, same.) Over the next four days, we’ll help you find and book one.

So you haven’t had great experiences with the health care system. Unfortunately, you’re not alone. The good news is that there are providers who will listen to you and take you seriously. Before you can identify them, though, you need to know which checkups and screenings are recommended for you. Don’t worry, we’ve made it easy. We created a free tool that tells you exactly that. Just select your age to see the screenings you need and how often you’ll need them. Screenshot the list for easy reference.

Find trustworthy providers.

Now that you know which appointments you need, it’s time to find doctors you can trust.

Let’s break this down into even smaller steps:

🗓️ Block off two hours on your calendar. Give yourself time to research your options — especially if you’ve had bad experiences with health care providers in the past.

🔍 Identify possible providers. Go back to our Don’t Wait page and use the Book Now buttons to find docs in your area who accept your insurance. 

🏁 Start your research. 

• Google them. Read reviews, articles quoting them, and any articles or posts they’ve written.

• Search Facebook (especially local groups) and X (formerly Twitter), two platforms where patients tend to share bad experiences. Or post in local FB groups asking for reviews from current or former patients. 

• Tap your friends and colleagues. Ask if they or their friends know anyone who has seen the provider you’re considering. Did they have a good experience?

Based on the information you’ve gathered, choose a doctor and book an appointment. 

If past interactions with health care keep you from seeing a doctor, those bad experiences continue to harm you. Don’t give them that power. Caring, professional, self-aware providers are out there.

ONE OF OUR FAVORITES:

Assemble your team and tools.

So you made your appointments. That’s huge. But now you need to go to them. 

We know a checkup can be scary or even terrifying if you’ve had bad experiences in the past. These steps will help ensure a different, better appointment: 

Ask a friend, spouse, or family member to accompany you. There’s nothing weird about this — patients do it all the time — and you’ll have someone in the exam room or waiting room who you know has your back. 

Make a list of questions to ask the provider during the appointment. You’ll find examples here and here.

Screenshot this script of things you can say if the provider doesn’t understand or dismisses your concerns.

Remember: You can leave the appointment. At any point. For any reason. 

You’re doing it!

You booked your care with providers you vetted yourself, and you have the information, tools, and support to get what you need out of your appointments.

Now for the last step: Click here to set automatic reminders to book the appointments you need in the future. That way you can let go of worrying about this for now, until the reminders pop up. They’ll give you enough notice to get in to see the providers you trust.