How To Find The Right General Care Doctor

Whether you’ve recently moved, your current doctor has retired or you simply feel ready for a change, finding the right general care doctor is crucial for managing your healthcare. Your general care doctor is who you will see for most of your medical needs including routine screenings, wellness visits and non emergency illnesses. They are also the person you will speak to when you have health queries or concerns. So, here we’ll guide you through how to find the right doctor for you. 

Ask Family and Friends:

If you’re looking for a new service provider, it is natural to ask your family and friends if they have any suggestions. Whether this is a mechanic to fix your car or a great restaurant to enjoy a meal, people that you know can often provide you with suggestions you can trust. So, why should a doctor be any different? You can ask your family and close friends if they have a doctor that they feel comfortable with and a recommendation can be a great starting point. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different, so just because your sister in law loves her doctor, it doesn’t mean that they are automatically a good fit for you. You can also ask another healthcare professional that you know if they can offer a recommendation. For example, if you’re moving towns, ask your current doctor if they can provide a recommendation for your new city. 

Check Your Network:

Most healthcare plans have a negotiated special discounted rate for specific doctors and hospitals. If a doctor is “in network” you will pay less out of pocket for insurance purposes when you visit. By choosing an “in network” doctor you can avoid surprise charges or even having to pay in full if the doctor doesn’t accept your insurance plan. You will need to check with your current insurance provider for a directory of in network doctors in your area. 

Look for a Doctor with the Expertise to Meet Your Particular Health Needs:

Once you’ve got a list of in network doctors, you can start to narrow it down according to your particular health needs. There are three main types of general care doctors and each has a slightly different focus. Family practice doctors treat patients from newborns to seniors. These generalists treat a wide variety of issues including some women’s health needs and sports injuries. General practice doctors are similar to family practice doctors as they treat patients of any age. However, you may also find doctors practicing alternative medicine with a special focus, such as osteopaths. Internal medicine doctors typically only treat adults, specializing in preventing, diagnosing and managing chronic conditions and diseases. Think about your current health needs and look for doctors who can treat any specific issues you may have. 

Do a Little Research:

Just because a doctor is in network for your coverage, it doesn’t mean that they are perfect. So, just as you wouldn’t hire someone for home repairs, it is important that you do a little research. Do a few quick internet searches to see what other consumers are saying about the doctor and practice. You can also use the Medicare.gov Care Compare tool to check if there are activities or indications the doctor offers high quality care. Finally, you can visit the Certification Matters website. This site is maintained by the American Board of Medical Specialties and documents providers who have met state licensing requirements, and have maintained their certifications. 

Check the Patient Support:

Before you even plan a visit to become a patient, it is well worth checking the level of patient support. Give the office a call and see how long the phone rings and the phone etiquette of the office team. Ask if they are taking on new patients and how long you’ll need to wait for an appointment. Being told “we’re quite busy, so it may take time to fit you in, as we prioritize existing patients” is far more appealing than simply, “our next free appointment is in two months.” At this stage, you can also learn a lot about how the office team handles the logistics of patient management. How do they inform you about test results? How are prescription refills handled? Do they send reminders for overdue screenings or shots? Can you schedule appointments by email or online? As virtual visits are becoming a more common occurrence, it is also worth asking if the doctor offers this type of visit or how long you’ll typically be left in the waiting room for an in person visit. 

Make a First Appointment:

If you’ve narrowed down the choices to one doctor in your area, there is still one final thing you need to do before you commit. You need to make a first appointment to become a patient and have an in person visit with the doctor. During this appointment, you can ask any remaining questions you may have and verify any information that you’re not sure about from your initial phone call. You can check that the doctor has some experience with any specific issues you may have had or currently have. Remember that your general care doctor is going to provide problem solving for any medical issues you may have and act as your advocate for your health. So, it is essential that you feel comfortable with them. You need to be able to feel that you trust them and are able to ask questions, regardless of how awkward. The right general care doctor will show an interest in you and help you to feel at ease. They will also be willing to take the time to answer all of your questions, explaining everything in a way that you can understand. Your choice of doctor is ultimately your choice, so listen to your instincts and if you don’t feel like this doctor would be a good fit, you’ll need to spend a little more time finding someone with whom you feel more comfortable.