The idea of finding a new physician is stressful for most people, especially if you are in the midst of relocating or starting a new job. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by lengthy, confusing articles you might have read that make the task seem almost impossible. You might just be tempted to ask a coworker or friend for a referral, and just start seeing that person without asking any further questions. Finding a family physician does not need to be a stressful or long process, however. While word-of-mouth referrals from friends and coworkers are good starting point, ensure your decision is the best for you and your family by considering several key factors.

Factors to consider

Make sure your insurance covers the doctor you wish to see at the in-network rate, as seeing an out-of-network physician typically involves the patient shouldering most or all of the cost. Be clear on any co-pays owed, so these will not be a surprise at the time of the visit. Telephone the prospective physician’s office to determine how long you would have to wait to secure an initial appointment, because even the best doctor in the world will not be helpful to you if you must wait several months for treatment when you are ill. Clarify any office policies, such as required cancellation notice, to establish and maintain a good overall relationship. Verify that the doctor holds a board certification in family or internal medicine, so he will be able to manage your overall care, referring you to a specialist when necessary. Telephone the state physician licensing board to ensure that the doctor’s license is current and in good standing and there have never been any disciplinary actions taken against him. Once you have established that the new doctor is competent and accessible, consider convenience factors such as location, accessibility and parking accommodations.

Consider your initial interview as a try out for the new doctor to see if you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and problems in this atmosphere. Feel free to ask any questions, pose hypothetical situations or challenge opinions as you see fit. Does the doctor shut you down or welcome your questions? A good doctor will respond openly to such inquiries and challenges, encouraging you to take an active role in your overall wellness management. If you do not like the new doctor’s approach or philosophy toward patient care, find the office staff unfriendly or simply leave with a bad “gut feeling” do not hesitate to try a new physician. In fact, choosing a family doctor you will be happy with for many years might take several attempts. But, you will be happy you spent the time choosing wisely, when an illness strikes and you need someone dependable.

About the Author

Kelly Jones earned her Healthcare Administration Degree 5 years ago and is now an office manager in a large medical practice.  On a daily basis, she finds herself welcoming new patients to the practice she manages.

The medical profession features a multifaceted array of distinguished specializations that comprehensively cater to every fine-tuned need of the human body. Unfortunately, the abundance of health information available to can lead to confusion, and one of the characteristics of a great physician is helping patients be their own best advocate.

Typically, doctors do not intentionally obscure medical facts, but the in-depth amount of biological research that medical practitioners have at their disposal can render the terms of treatment incomprehensible for the average person. A generalized understanding of the medical profession can provide ample expedition to the first-aid process. This guide compiles the essential knowledge everyone should have before their next consultation with a doctor. Physicians should consider sharing this list with their patients to help facilitate the best doctor-patient relationship possible.

1. Do Not Cram Every Medical Issue in a Single Appointment

Doctor visits are relatively short excursions in comparison to the amount of time people usually allocate for health-based activities. It is impossible to receive treatment for every ailment at once. During an appointment, a doctor should be informed of the most urgent medical situation. The recovery process starts from this point, because symptomatic severity statistically accompanies risk. Concerns that are not threatening serve as distractions from true health problems. Before consulting a medical professional, it is wise to make a list beforehand detailing the most worrisome symptoms. Unrelated health issues should have separate appointments scheduled. This guarantees that the doctor will have an undivided focus that allows every health concern to get proper attention.

2. Get the Right Amount of Treatment

Medical consultations should be annually ritualized. Individuals who are wearisome or squeamish about doctors only do themselves a disservice by avoiding regular check-ups. A regular visit with a doctor allows them to gather a more complete picture of personal health. The gradual development of a personal relationship with a medical professional generates a comprehensive patient file that can be used to effectively pinpoint the cause of any malfunction. Without bulky medical records, the origins of symptoms can remain unknown for a much longer duration than necessary. Conversely, it can also be hazardously detrimental to receive excessive treatment. Over-testing can be physically arduous and financially draining.

3. Facilitate Communication in Both Directions

It is unwise to expect a doctor to be able to assess an entire situation without the verbal output of a patient. Medical professionals need vocal guidance and direction from the people they treat. Every question is potentially crucial to receiving proper care. Queries that are not postulated can inadvertently omit vital details that the doctors need. According to Fox News, a patient’s perceived notion of infallibility in their doctor can result in dangerous blind faith. Using keen attention and sociable engagement prevents harmful medical errors. Follow-up appointments are specifically intended to resolve unanswered questions.

4. Consider Alternative Cures

Non-prescription remedies are not financially lucrative in the health profession, so they can be difficult to distinguish from myths; however, Health Magazine has verified that household kitchen ingredients can cure a bevy of mild ailments. We all know about gargling with salt water to relieve sore throat symptoms, but Health Magazine’s research also indicates that honey relieves the soreness of scars and burns, peppermint tea can alleviate non-reflux-induced indigestion, and an enzyme in meat tenderizer acts as a treatment for bee stings, mosquito bites and non-poisonous spider bites.  Who knew?

While knowledge and diagnostic expertise may be hallmarks of a great doctor, compassion and communication should not be overlooked as desirable traits as well.  Fostering a relationship built on mutual respect and trust will help guarantee a long, healthy partnership.