Switching Doctors? 9 Questions To Ask

Most people don't seem to realize this, but as the patient, you are in control of your relationship with your doctor. Your doctor is working for you - if you are not happy with the care you are receiving, switching to a different provider is completely within your rights. 

If you are contemplating switching to a different provider, asking certain questions can be a great way to determine whether or not your new provider will be the right fit. The answers to these questions can help you determine whether or not your new Lake of the Ozarks doctor will be a good fit for you and your family.

1. Is The Technology Up-To-Date?
How current is the equipment at your new facility? Will you have access to the advances of modern healthcare technology?

2. How Accessible Is The Practice?
How long is the drive to the hospital or clinic? If there is an emergency, will you be able to receive treatment in a timely manner?

3. Who Will Be Providing The Majority Of Your Care?
Will your new doctor provide many of your needed services him/herself, or will he/she frequently refer you to an outside specialist?

4. Does The Doctor/Clinic Have A History Of Malpractice Claims?
Do a little digging to see if you can learn the legal history of your new practice. Even good doctors can make mistakes now and then, but if your new clinic or provider has a history of many claims or unsatisfied patients, you will probably want to look elsewhere.

5. How Long Does It Take To Get An Appointment?
Is there a long waiting list? If you are in need of urgent attention, will your new provider be able to accommodate?

6. Will The New Clinic Work With Your Insurance Company?
Insurance companies can be rather selective about the providers/hospitals they have in their networks. It's important to find out whether or not the care you receive from your new provider will be covered by your plan.

7. Is The Staff Courteous?
Do you feel welcomed when you walk in the door? Are you treated with respect? Your doctor isn't the only person you will have contact with at your new clinic, so it's important that you are comfortable with the rest of the staff.

8. Can You Receive Care After Hours?
Life is unpredictable. Quality medical care shouldn't be limited to standard business hours. Find out what your new practice's policy is on evening and weekend appointments.

9. How Do You Feel About Your New Doctor?
This is arguably the most important question you can ask yourself. While it's important to think through your decision logically, choosing your new doctor is an emotional decision as well. As you meet with your new provider for the first time, tap into your subconscious and evaluate how you feel in the presence of your new provider. Does he respect your needs? Does he address your concerns? Does he answer your questions in a way that is easy to understand? Do you feel comfortable and safe in his presence? 

Looking For A New Provider? Consider COMC!

At Central Ozarks Medical Center, we pride ourselves on providing patient-driven care. Our providers and our medical staff make a point to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care we can give them. If you are considering switching healthcare providers at the Lake of the Ozarks, we would be honored if you would consider setting up an appointment at our clinic nearest to you. You deserve the best, and it is our goal to provide you with nothing less!

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

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For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 -- Richland
573.302.7490 -- Osage Beach
573.346.4446 -- Camdenton
573.317.9200 -- Stone Castle
573.765.2510 -- Dental




Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties

Meet Our Primary Care Providers - Part 1

At Central Ozarks Medical Center, our goal is to provide quality healthcare at an affordable price to patients across the mid-Missouri region. We are fortunate to have an extensive staff of qualified, experienced practitioners who are committed to helping their patients lead long, healthy lives. This week, we are here to introduce you to some of our primary care providers in central Missouri. If you come to one of our centers for routine healthcare, chances are that you will be treated by one of these individuals.

The Primary Care Providers At COMC

Dr. Kelvin E Bailey, MD

Kelvin E. Bailey, MD, is a graduate of University of Kentucky Medical School. He trained in Family Practice Medicine and completed a Fellowship in Obstetrics at the University of Kentucky Hospital.

Dr. Bailey has been practicing since 1996, and he has spent his last 4 years at Central Ozarks Medical Center. As a Family Practice physician, Dr. Bailey sees patients of all ages. His primary interests within the medical arena are obstetrics, women’s health issues, nutrition, and insulin resistance syndromes (including diabetes).

Dr. Bailey is board certified in family practice medicine.




Angelia Cayou, BSN, FNP-C

Angelia Cayou graduated from Webster University with her Bachelors of Science-Nursing. She went on to complete a Masters of Science-Nursing Adult and Gerontology from Maryville University in St. Louis, Missouri. While earning her degrees, Angelia worked as an Intensive Care Unit nurse and Progressive Care Unit nurse, as well as a Cardiac Catheterization Lab nurse. 

Angelia specializes in Adult and Gerontology patients (over the age of eighteen).

Angelia joined Central Ozarks Medical Center in July of 2015.





Lisa. L. King RN, ARNP-BC

Lisa King is a graduate of North East Missouri State University (now called Truman University) with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She continued her education at University Missouri-Columbia obtaining a Master’s of Science in Nursing as both a clinical specialist in pediatrics and a Family Nurse Practitioner. 

Lisa has been practicing as a Nurse practitioner for 30 plus years. She has been with Central Ozarks Medical Center since 2008. She is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and is a member of both the American Nurses Association and the Missouri Nurses Association. She is a volunteer for the Show Me Response Team.

When she’s not at the clinic, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and skiing. You can find her anywhere outdoors, whether it be horse shows or yard work.

Lisa enjoys working with all age groups and finds her career very challenging and rewarding. 

Cira Monnig, FNP-C

Cira Monnig, F.N.P – C, is a graduate of the University of Missouri - Kansas City / Missouri Southern State University Cooperative Program, where she obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing. She is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Prior to her certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner, she spent 10 years in the Nursing field, serving both inpatient and outpatient needs.

Since joining Central Ozarks Medical Center in January of 2015, Cira has enjoyed serving patients of every age in a holistic, patient-oriented manner. When not serving the healthcare needs of her community, Cira prefers to spend time with her husband and three children, travelling and expanding her personal horizons.



Trust COMC With Your Healthcare Needs

Dr. Bailey, Ms. Cayou, Ms. King, and Ms. Monnig are just a few of the exceptional providers on staff at Central Ozarks Medical Center. We will introduce our other providers over the next several months. In the meantime, keep watching our blog for more information about our healthcare services in Mid-Missouri and general wellness tips.

Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare

Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn

For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 -- Richland
573.302.7490 -- Osage Beach
573.346.4446 -- Camdenton
573.317.9200 -- Stone Castle
573.765.2510 -- Dental


Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties