Sometimes finding the right doctor takes some work. Don’t be afraid to ask for a sit down interview before booking an official appointment.
Choosing the right primary care physician is one of the most important health decisions you will ever make. Your primary care physician is someone who will develop a long-term relationship with you. With your future in their hands, you need to know what to look for when selecting a doctor. Here are a few tips to consider to help you find the best primary care physician for you:
1. Ask around While selecting a doctor requires much more thought than choosing a restaurant for the evening, it’s still good to ask others for their “reviews.” You will hear horror stories, fairy tales and probably get a few shrugs, too. Behind the glowing reviews or warnings, listen to the “why.” A poor match for your friend or coworker because of personality conflicts might be a match made in heaven for you. At the very least, you’ll get a basis of knowledge to help you take the next steps.
2. Decide what experience and personality traits are important to you Your doctor could be someone in your life for years, maybe decades, so don’t let your his or her personality hinder your long-term health. Do you want a doctor who gives orders or one who listens and approaches your health with teamwork? Do you want your physician to control appointment dates and schedules or do you want to be responsible for that? Knowing what you want will help you narrow your final choice.
3. Consider convenience factors Are you relatively healthy and need a doctor once or twice a year who is close by? Do you have a recurring issue that requires more frequent office visits? Do you need a doctor who has weekend or evening hours that work better with your schedule? Some people want the best doctor available, regardless of the drive time. Others just want the closest around. Your health insurance plan also might play a factor in who is “in network” or “out of network.”
4. Research online You can find most background information on primary care physicians with a simple Internet search. Most doctors have websites that list their credentials, office hours and education. Other online resources provide more detailed ratings for doctors and hospitals (ratemds.com and healthgrades.com.) Online research can answer many of your basic questions and save you time when you call or visit a doctor for the first time.
5. Call or visit to ask questions By now, you should have your list of potential physicians narrowed down. Many will schedule a free meeting to answer questions, if you desire. That is the best way to get a feel for how comfortable you will be with the doctor and also in the office and with the nurses. If you visit a doctor less frequently, you can call the offices on your list and hear how courteous, friendly and helpful each one is to determine your choice.
