Find a doctor who involves you in your medical care.
While primary care physicians are in short supply according to The Wall Street Journal, there are a multitude of considerations involved in finding a primary care physician with whom you are comfortable establishing a long term, mutually respectful relationship. It is important to take your time in the decision-making process and choose a practitioner whose personality and medical viewpoints put you at ease.
Financial and Practical Considerations
Ask for your insurance provider's list of doctors. Each insurance company works with particular doctors. You cannot use a doctor that is not on your insurance provider`s list unless you intend to pay the doctor`s bill yourself. If you do not currently have coverage, ask friends or family for recommendations and compile a list of potential practitioners. When moving away from your current doctor, ask her for any recommendations in your new area. You may also want to consider a nurse practitioner as a primary care provider instead of a typical doctor. Nurse practitioners are thoroughly trained in primary care, and often work in larger practices comprised of doctors, nurses and nurse practitioners.
Personality and Communication
Interview the doctor. While your initial appointment with a potential doctor allows her to assess your physical health, it is also an opportunity for you to determine if she is the right provider for you. Find a doctor who can communicate effectively. It is not uncommon for a patient to feel his current doctor-patient relationship is lacking. He may feel his doctor does not listen adequately, does not afford enough time to an appointment, or speaks in medical jargon that is not an accessible language to the average individual.
Credentials and Workplace
Inquire about the doctor's credentials. This is particularly important if you are not using an insurance provider's list of doctors. Find out where the doctor went to medical school, if he is licensed in your state and if he stays current with research or education that is relevant to his field. Look into his track record as well to be sure his history is free of malpractice issues or other problems.
Call the doctor's office. A phone call with office staff can tell you a bit about the practice. Is the receptionist kind and helpful? Do you spend an exceptionally long time on hold? You can also stop by the office to take a look at the cleanliness of the reception and waiting areas.
Philosophy
Find out the doctor's medical philosophy. Does she focus on the treatment of disease or is her philosophical standpoint more about disease prevention and whole body wellness? Ask about the doctor's familiarity with alternative or complementary medicine if you are interested in these types of treatments. Some physicians have begun to practice integrative medicine, whereby both conventional medicine and complementary medicine are considered in treating patients' medical problems.
Tags: primary care, Find doctor, about doctor, complementary medicine, insurance provider
