Choosing a Primary Care Doctor - Primary Care 0 0 Choosing a Primary Care Doctor Pediatrician, primary care physician, primary care doctor, internal medicine, OB-Gyn

Primary care encompasses preventive care, health maintenance, identification and management of common conditions, and coordination of consultations and referrals. Pediatricians, family practice doctors, internal medicine physicians, and OB-Gyn physicians are commonly chosen as primary care doctors.

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Many factors are involved in choosing a doctor. In general, you want to see a doctor who is well trained and competent. You also want a doctor who cares about you, who will listen carefully to your concerns, who can explain things clearly and fully, and who can anticipate your health problems. Other things that might affect your choice of doctor include the type of health insurance you have, the location of the doctor's office, the hospital where the doctor treats patients, the age and gender of the doctor and the languages the doctor speaks.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you search for a doctor:

  • Do you have to choose a doctor who is affiliated with your insurance plan? Are you restricted to physicians listed by your insurance provider?
  • Do you need to choose a doctor who accepts Medicare?
  • Where is the doctor's office located? Is it easy for you to get to?
  • At which hospital does the doctor admit patients? If you need hospital care, is it important to you that it is at a particular hospital?
  • What kind of training does the doctor have? Is he or she board-certified and, if so, in what field?
  • Do you feel it's important for you to see a male or female doctor, an older or younger doctor, or a doctor of a particular religion?
  • Do you prefer to see one doctor consistently, or are you comfortable seeing any of several in a group practice?

Once you have physicians you want to consider, call their offices and speak to the office staff. They should be able to answer a number of important questions, including:

  • Is the doctor taking new patients?
  • Is the doctor affiliated with my insurance?
  • What is the doctor's education and qualifications?
  • What are the doctor's office hours for seeing patients?
  • At what hospital does the doctor admit patients?
  • How soon can I make an appointment to see the doctor?
  • How long does an average visit usually last?
  • How long will I generally need to wait to see the doctor?
  • What are the office procedures for patients who have emergencies and need medical attention quickly?
  • Who would I call if the doctor is away and I need medical attention?
  • What are the office payment policies?
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