But how can you find the doctor with the best combination of those qualities? How will you know when you’ve found her or him?
It’s an important decision, so spend some time selecting a doctor before an urgent need arrives. In this section, you’ll review several factors to consider when you review the many options.
Healthcare sometimes seems like a tangled web of doctors, specialists and assistants. With all of these options, it can be difficult to know where to turn.
This discussion focuses on helping you find a primary care doctor - one who will serve as your main doctor throughout your life for all of your needs.
Primary care doctors are very important:
- They oversee care for you and, in some cases, your entire family.
- They build a relationship with you and become familiar with your health history.
- They focus on your entire well-being and help you stay healthy.
- If necessary, they refer you to specialists who treat various conditions, areas of the body or age groups.
You have several options for selecting a primary care doctor:
- Family Practitioners - these doctors focus on the care of patients of all ages.
- Internists - these doctors focus on internal medicine for adults and are another common choice.
- Pediatricians - these doctors focus on the care of children.
- Family Physicians - perhaps the most common type of primary care doctor.
Certain aspects of care are delivered by other types of medical professionals:
- Physician Assistants - specially-trained professionals who diagnose and treat common ailments under the supervision of a licensed physician.
- Nurse Practitioners - registered nurses who have received advanced training and work in collaboration with a physician.
You should consider several factors when you select a doctor. We’ll review those next.
Choosing a Doctor: Factors to Consider
When you choose a doctor, think about and research many different factors. Here are a few to help you get started:
- What are the most important qualities you’re looking for in a doctor?
- What training and experience do you want from a doctor?
- Should the doctor have a relationship with a hospital?
- Does the doctor need to be a part of your health plan?
- Should your doctor have any specialties or hold board certification in a particular care area?
Choosing a Doctor: How to Find and Select a Doctor
You’ve determined the type of primary care doctor you’re seeking. You’ve reviewed the most important qualities and skills the doctor should have. You’re ready to find a doctor — but how? Here are some ways:
- Review your health plan’s list of doctors as a starting point.
- Ask for recommendations from family, friends or coworkers.
- Check with a healthcare organization in your area.
- If you know someone who works in the healthcare industry, ask them for recommendations.
After you’ve gathered one or more names, call the office of your top choice. To learn whether the doctor is taking new patients, contact his or her office or a service such as Ask-A-Nurse. Double-check your health plan coverage. If you are satisfied with the answers you receive, make an appointment. View your first appointment as a way to determine if the doctor would be a good primary care physician for you. During your appointment, does the doctor:
- Take time for introductions and opening conversation?
- Speak to you in a way that’s easy to understand?
- Respect you and listen to you?
- Seem patient and willing to answer your questions?
Doctor/patient communication is one key to a long-term primary care relationship.