How to Choose a Doctor
You will also need to decide what type of physician you are looking for. Do you need a primary health care provider (a doctor who will manage your overall care and refer you to specialists when necessary)? Or do you need a specialist in a particular area?
Finally, you may have additional concerns when choosing a physician. These concerns should reflect your own needs and priorities The following questions can help you to define further what is most important for you:
When choosing a PCP, also consider the following:
Is the office staff friendly and helpful?
Is the office good about returning calls?
Are the office hours convenient to your schedule?
How easy is it to reach the provider? Does the provider use email?
Do you prefer a provider whose communication style is friendly and warm, or more formal?
Do you prefer a provider focused on disease treatment, or wellness and prevention?
Does the provider have a conservative or aggressive approach to treatment?
Does the provider order a lot of tests?
Does the provider refer to other specialists frequently or infrequently?
What do colleagues and patients say about the provider?
Does the provider invite you to be involved in your care?
Does the provider view your patient-doctor relationship as a true partnership?
Where is the practice located?
Will it be easy for you to get there? Is it accessible by public transportation? Is there ample parking?
Which hospital(s) does the doctor use? Are you comfortable with the possibility of being treated at one of these institutions should the need arise?
Where are routine x-rays and laboratory studies performed?
Can these be done in-office, or will you have to go to an outside laboratory?
How long must you wait for an appointment after you call?
Can you be seen on the same day if you have an urgent need?
5.Is the office staff friendly and courteous?
If you call with a question about your care, does a doctor or nurse return your call promptly?
Who covers for the physician when he/she is away? Whom should you call if you have a problem after-hours? If the doctor works in a group, are you comfortable with being seen by one of the practice partners?
Does the physician frequently refer patients to specialists or does he/she prefer to manage the majority of your care themselves?
Does the office process insurance claims, or must you pay up-front for services and file the claims yourself?
If you still aren't sure about your choice, ask if you can make an "interview" appointment to speak with the physician about your concerns. You may have to pay a co-payment or other fee for this service, but it can be a valuable way to gather information when making your decision.
Choosing a primary care provider
A primary care provider (PCP) is a health care practitioner who sees people that have common medical problems. This person is usually a doctor, but may be a physician assistant or a nurse practitioner. Your PCP is often involved in your care for a long time, so it is important to select someone with whom you will work well.
Information
A PCP is your main health care provider in non-emergency situations. Your PCP's role is to:
•Provide preventive care and teach healthy lifestyle choices
•Identify and treat common medical conditions
•Assess the urgency of your medical problems and direct you to the best place for that care
•Make referrals to medical specialists when necessary
Primary care is usually provided in an outpatient setting. However, if you are admitted to the hospital, your PCP may assist in or direct your care, depending on the circumstances.
Having a primary care provider can give you a trusting, ongoing relationship with one medical professional over time. You can choose from several different types of PCPs:
•Family practitioners: Doctors who have completed a family practice residency and are board-certified, or board-eligible, for this specialty. The scope of their practice includes children and adults of all ages and may include obstetrics and minor surgery.
•Pediatricians: Doctors who have completed a pediatric residency and are board-certified, or board-eligible, in this specialty. The scope of their practice includes the care of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents.
•Internists: Doctors who have completed a residency in internal medicine and are board-certified, or board-eligible, in this specialty. The scope of their practice includes the care of adults of all ages for many different medical problems.
•Obstetricians/gynecologists: Doctors who have completed a residency and are board-certified, or board-eligible, in this specialty. They often serve as a PCP for women, particularly those of childbearing age.
•Nurse practitioners (NP) and physician assistants (PA): Practitioners who go through a different training and certification process than doctors. They may be your key contact in some practices.
Many insurance plans limit the providers you can choose from, or provide financial incentives for you to select from a specific list of providers. Make sure you know what your insurance covers before starting to narrow down your options.
You can get referrals from:
•Friends, neighbors, or relatives
•State-level medical associations, nursing associations, and associations for physician assistants
•Your dentist, pharmacist, optometrist, previous provider, or other health professional
•Advocacy groups -- especially to help you find the best provider for a specific chronic condition or disability
•Many health plans, such as HMOs or PPOs, have websites, directories, or customer service staff who can help you select a PCP who is right for you
Another option is to request an appointment to "interview" a potential provider. There may be no cost to do this, or you may be charged a co-payment or other small fee. Some practices, particularly pediatric practice groups, may have an open house where you have an opportunity to meet several of the providers in that particular group.
If you do not currently have a primary health care provider, and a health care problem arises, it is usually best to seek non-emergency care from an urgent care center rather than a hospital emergency room. This will often save you time and money. In recent years, many emergency rooms have expanded their services to include reasonably priced urgent care within the emergency room itself or an adjoining area. To find out, call the hospital first.
Alternative Names
Family doctor
Choosing the right primary care provider
The best health care is based on lasting relationships between you and your doctor. Choose your primary care doctor when all is well, that way you will not have to make a hasty decision about your medical care when you are sick. When choosing a primary care doctor, consider:
Training and experience
Research where he or she studied medicine, the length of that training and where he or she has practiced medicine. Prevention
Is he or she concerned about your lifestyle? Note whether he or she asks about your alcohol, tobacco or drug use; eating and exercise habits; health risks at work and home; or sexual activity.
Relationship
Do you feel comfortable with him or her? The provider who is right for you should be someone you can discuss anything that could affect your health - from family history to your lifestyle, habits and beliefs.
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