How to Locate a Family Doctor
One of the most important people that will have contact with your family is your family doctor. However, choosing the best one to fit your needs can often be a hard and time-consuming process. Luckily by following a few simple steps this important decision can be made easier.
- Write out a list of what needs and preferences your doctor will need to meet. This can include location, willingness to consider alternative methods of treatment and experience with specific medical conditions. Other factors may be gender preferences and specialty.
- Contact your insurance carrier for a list of family physicians who are in your insurance network.
- Ask family and friends for recommendations. Ask in detail what they like about their doctor and what they don’t like. In addition, ask of any doctors they wouldn’t recommend and why.
- Utilize an online resource which can offer reviews from consumers about the different doctors you are considering.
- Contact the offices on your list and inquire about office hours, emergency procedures, services offered, verify they are within your network, and to see if they are accepting new patients. Narrow your list to at most three potential family doctors.
- Schedule an initial appointment with the doctor who best fits your needs. Taking note of how they interact with your family and the general impression they leave you with. Additionally, at the appointment ask any specific questions you may have about them and their service.
- Choose the doctor who best fits the needs of your family and who you feel most comfortable with.