Here we will go over how to find the right medical marijuana doctor in Tennessee.
Recreational marijuana is currently not legal in Tennessee, which means that if you are a resident with a health condition or other issue, you must rely on your medical marijuana card for treatment.
If you don’t yet have a medical marijuana card, you may quickly become overwhelmed by finding a doctor and the application process. Keep reading for tips on how to find a medical marijuana doctor that is perfect for you.
Ask Around
Considering that over 80% of Tennessee residents are pro-cannabis, there is a good chance you know many people that use the products.
If you do know some cannabis consumers, you can ask around to find out which doctors they would suggest. Of course, there is a chance your friends don’t see a medical marijuana doctor. If this is the case, you can still ask in Facebook groups or other local forums.
Your loved ones will gladly give you honest feedback on the providers they have seen. This feedback will likely include doctors to avoid, which is just as helpful.
Consider All Of Your Needs
When looking for a doctor, it can be helpful to make a list of what you need from a doctor.
For starters, you’re probably looking for a doctor that can offer you a Tennessee medical marijuana card. You may also be looking for a doctor near your home or with similar cultural beliefs.
The most common attributes that individuals look for in a doctor and their office include the following:
- Same Gender
- Similar age
- Years of experience
- Friendly attitude
- Friendly staff
- Short wait time
Once you have created your list, you can start narrowing your options and be on your way to finding the perfect doctor.
Look at Reviews
When looking for a new marijuana doctor, online reviews can be a useful tool. Almost every doctor’s office will have an online platform that allows reviews to be placed.
In the reviews, look for comments regarding important things like bedside manners and communication skills.
Generally, doctors with a high star rating and many positive reviews are considered good options. However, it is essential to remember that fake reviews are common on the internet.
Some red flags that signify fake reviews include:
- Multiple comments made on the same date
- Reviews from new accounts with no profile info
- Multiple reviews with broken English
- Reviews that are placed from accounts in another state
Talk to Your Doctor
To see a medical marijuana doctor, you will need a referral from your primary care doctor. Your doctor won’t always refer you to a specific marijuana physician, but if you ask, they will happily give you suggestions.
Your primary doctor is the perfect person to ask for advice on which provider to see because they know you on a medical and personal level.
Cannabis is prescribed for conditions like anxiety and IBS that can be difficult to discuss. Your doctor can help pair you with a professional that you are comfortable with.
Check Your Insurance
Not all doctors will take your insurance; therefore, sometimes, we have to select a doctor based on who does.
You can find a doctor that takes your insurance by calling the insurance company, visiting their website, or checking out the care provider handbook that may be provided upon signing up.
The downside of using these methods is that there can be too many doctors to choose from. Instead, you can create a list of provider options and call the offices individually. When you call each office, simply ask if they take your insurance and whether or not they are accepting new patients.
Look at Certifications
With medical marijuana growing into such a large industry, many doctors have switched to being marijuana providers. Unfortunately, not all doctors make the switch with the most honest intentions. To be honest, not all medical marijuana doctors have the proper certifications needed to prescribe cannabis.
When choosing a doctor, you should look into their licensing, certifications, and state credentials. Each doctor should have this information posted on their website. However, if you need help finding the information you are looking for, you can visit DocInfo to search for their credentials.
