For many people, finding a new doctor can be a difficult task, especially if they have recently moved. While they can always turn to their friends and family for recommendations or to discuss their current practice, finding someone they feel comfortable building a relationship with can be daunting. Here are some things to consider when beginning your search for a new general practitioner.
Call the Insurance Company
For people with active insurance policies, it’s best to contact a service representative to discuss which doctors are covered by your policy. Working with doctors outside of your coverage network often results in higher costs and reduced insurance coverage for prescribed treatments. The insurance provider will have a list of local practices that are covered by each policy and can provide recommendations.
Look at the specialists
While a general practitioner can treat most conditions, they are not always specialists in specific conditions. If a patient has a pre-existing medical diagnosis or was seeing a specialist before moving in, she may want to look into a similar practice in the area. Calling your previous doctor for a recommendation is always one of the best places to start.
Consider hours of availability
Life is busy and finding time to get to a doctor’s appointment is not easy. For people with children or with a demanding work schedule, it’s important to find a doctor with hours that work with your availability. Some practices offer early morning appointment times or extended office hours for non-emergency, last-minute treatment. However, other practices are only open on certain days of the week or during very limited hours.
ask about their qualifications
Not all medical schools have the same reputation. Before becoming a regular patient, it is important to ask about the doctor’s qualifications. Find out where they received their medical degree and any additional training. While the prestige of your medical school shouldn’t be the only deciding factor, it can help narrow down the list of potential health professionals.
research your practice
The Internet is a great way to gauge a doctor’s reputation. Online review sites like Yelp and Facebook can provide insight into patient satisfaction, while the Better Business Bureau often sheds light on any billing complications or legal action taken against the practice. It might be worth considering a doctor if people are leaving positive feedback.
Don’t be afraid to visit some practices
Visiting a doctor to assess your bedside attitude is perhaps the easiest way to make a decision. This gives patients a chance to get to know the doctor and find out if they like his personality. It’s important to find a practice where the patient feels comfortable enough to talk openly about their medical condition. If a doctor or their support staff makes you uncomfortable or nervous talking about your symptoms, it’s best to keep looking.