For most people, going to the doctor is a slightly annoying, slightly nervewracking experience. But after the appointment has finished, most people simply forget about it until the following year when they receive a postcard or automated e-mail from their doctor that it’s time for their annual check-up. When you’re a hypochondriac, this is not the case.
Hypochondriacs have a slightly…different experience with going to the doctor. You may even say that the doctor-patient relationship for those who struggle with health anxiety is….complicated. Many hypochondriacs like to jump from doctor to doctor, so they can get second, third, and sometimes even fourth opinions on whatever ailment they think is plaguing them at the time. Hypochondriacs also both fear and feel comfort while at the doctor, simultaneously, because they are both hopeful and afraid of what answers their doctor will give them.
Even though hypochondriacs do have a tendency to jump from doctor to doctor, it really is advantageous to have a single primary care physician through whom you funnel all of your requests, concerns, referrals, and testing. If we just struck panic through your heart, we understand. If you want to know why we recommend having a primary care physician as a hypochondriac, read our article about it here:
Why Should I Have a Primary Care Physician as a Hypochondriac?
So, if you’re still reading this article, we’ll assume that you don’t have a problem with using a single primary care physician. But, if you’re like us, you may be wondering just how you can find a primary care physician considering the fact that you do have health anxiety.
Well, the first factor you need to keep in mind is that you need to be honest with whatever prospective doctors with whom you are speaking. Although you may want to hide the fact that you are a hypochondriac, it’s very important for any new prospective doctors to know this information. First of all, knowing that you are a hypochondriac will help doctors gain some perspective into your baseline. They will understand what your current health concerns are, and what your medical history has stated.
Secondly, doctors know that hypochondria is also a genuine mental condition that cannot be helped without the use of treatment or medication. Therefore, they are that much more likely to be gentle with you if you are honest with them. Don’t worry – you won’t be seen as the boy or girl who cried wolf. Your health concerns will still be taken seriously by your doctor. After all, they took an oath to protect you and to do no harm…even if you are a hypochondriac.
So, knowing all of this, you can see how and why it’s a good idea to have a doctor in your corner. The easiest way to do this is through the use of a primary care physician. Here are our top five ways to find a primary care physician for hypochondria:
Ask Your Psychologist or Psychiatrist for a Hypochondriac Referral
If you are currently in therapy or seeing somebody for your hypochondria, you may consider asking them for a referral. Chances are that your psychologist or psychiatrist knows a doctor in the area who is sympathetic to mental conditions or can be sympathetic to their patients. Many healthcare professionals, whether they specialize in physical or mental health, are very familiar with the work and practices of other healthcare professionals in the area. These healthcare professionals meet each other through professional networking events and through recommendations of other healthcare professionals.
Therefore, if you ask your psychologist or psychiatrist for a referral, it’s likely that they will be able to refer you to a primary care physician that is sympathetic to your hypochondria and matches your personal care style.
Look for an Online Primary Care Physician
People don’t often think about having an online primary care physician, but it’s becoming an increasingly popular option! Having an online primary care physician is also a great idea for a hypochondriac, because you can easily access your doctor, daily, through the use of video calls, messaging, chatting, and/or phone calls.
The easy access often makes those who suffer with health anxiety feel a little bit better. Instead of having to wait days, weeks, or months to get in touch with your doctor…you can usually receive a response from them that very day. Also, since you may be wanting to schedule appointments with your doctor more frequently than the average person, it’s much easier to do so online. Otherwise, you would need to arrange to take time off work, commute to the appointment, and commute back from the appointment.
The more doctor’s appointments you schedule or have scheduled, the more potentially disruptive this could be to your everyday schedule. As somebody who struggles with health anxiety, part of the treatment will involve having your health anxiety be less disruptive to your everyday life.
If you think having an online primary care physician is a good idea for you and your busy life, we highly recommend checking out ZocDoc. With ZocDoc, you can find a primary care physician who works in your time zone and who is a good fit for you personally.
When you’re filling out your initial intake questionnaire, make sure to mention that you have struggled with health anxiety in the past, just so they know that you are a hypochondriac and can adjust your treatment accordingly.
Search an Online Directory
If you’re looking for a primary care physician in your area and don’t currently have anybody to give you referrals, we recommend searching an online directory like Zocdoc or Healthgrades. You should be able to search for available doctors in your zip code who take your health insurance.
On these online directories, you can also read reviews, see availability, and read a little bit more about your doctor so you can feel more comfortable. The reviews are a very important part to read so you can understand whether or not your doctor will be compassionate and understanding towards your health anxiety. When you book your initial appointment, make sure to let your new primary care physician about your health anxiety and hypochondria. Their response will also be a good indicator of whether or not they are the right fit for you.
Call Your Local Family Care Practice
If you don’t want to sort through a massive list of available doctors in your area, we don’t blame you! Searching for primary care physicians can be a tedious and time-consuming task, especially when you are already bogged down with the busyness of everyday life, from working to running errands to doing chores to seeing family and friends…the busyness never ends!
Therefore, if you just want to find a primary care physician without taking too much time out of your life, we highly recommend that you just call your local family care practice. Family care practices take care of all sorts of people at all different stages of life, so you can rest assured that there will be a place for you there.
You’ve likely heard things about your local family care practice through word-of-mouth in the community, so you should be able to assess whether or not it’s a good fit for you. When you make your first appointment, make sure that you let the receptionist know that you have struggled with health anxiety in the past. That will make your new primary care physician aware of your baseline and will be able to treat you that much more effectively.
Seek Out a Psychosomatic and Behavioral Health Primary Care Physician
Not all primary care physicians are general doctors. Some of them have specialties in addition to being a primary care physician. If you have found that your health anxiety has been increasing significantly over the last few years, you may want to consider seeking out a psychosomatic and behavior health primary care physician.
This type of doctor is uniquely situated to treat both psychological and medical issues at the same time. When a psychosomatic and behavioral health primary care physician treats you, they will be able to determine whether a physical or mental approach is the best course of treatment in each and every circumstance.
Because hypochondria is often the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms, these types of doctors are uniquely positioned to be able to help you with your health anxiety. Because of this, you may feel more comfortable going to this type of doctor because you won’t feel judged; instead, you will feel understood, heard, and taken care of…and who can argue with that?
See? There are so many different ways that you can find a primary care physician. The hardest part will now be convincing yourself to do so. If you want some more reassurance and reasons as to why you should have a primary care physician as a hypochondriac, check out some of our related articles.
Disclaimer: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
If you are currently experiencing medical concerns, it’s important to talk to a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. HypochondriacHQ does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen on this website.
