Choosing a family physician is a decision that should be made carefully. Whether you’re looking for your first provider or moving somewhere new, choosing the right doctor can be tough. They will be someone who becomes deeply involved in your family’s health and well-being, so you’ll want to find someone with whom you can build a lasting relationship. Check out these five suggestions for choosing the right family doctor.
Why a Family Doctor?
When you were single or newly married you probably only saw a general practitioner on rare occasions. But now that you have a family, it’s important to find a family doctor. Family doctors are different because they see patients of all different ages and are accustomed to working with families over the long term. They also provide a broad range of services aimed at helping you as a parent and become familiar with your family’s history and needs. It’s much more convenient and cost-effective to find and commit to a family doctor rather than bouncing from one general practitioner to another.
What Ages Do They Work With?
Some family physicians have restrictions on the ages of patients they’ll see. When talking with a potential family physician, ask them about their focus. This way you know whether you can bring your young children as well as your older kids or even your grandparents for visits.
If you have any unique health issues, ask physicians if they can work with those as well. Some may need to refer you to someone who is better suited to your needs in particular.
Bedside Manner
Some doctors are incredibly smart and talented, but they lack bedside manner (i.e., a friendly attitude toward their patients). If you don’t mind a straight-forward attitude without much warmth, then this may be okay for you. However, if you want someone who you can feel more comfortable with, you may want to find someone who is more on the friendly side.
Communication Options
Today, it’s more convenient to email your doctor than to go in for an appointment whenever you have a question. If this is important to you, then ask the potential physician if they allow emailing and what their typical response time is. It’s also a good idea to ask what their office hours are and if there are any after-hour phone numbers.
Research Online
Almost every business, health care offices included, have reviews online. Go ahead and search for the doctor’s name and the name of their practice. You’ll be able to see reviews from other patients as well as information on the doctor themselves. You can also browse directories online or search within your insurance network.
Tip: If you have a lot of friends in the area, don’t hesitate to ask them for referrals as well.
Where They’re Located
If you find a family doctor that you love, but they are all the way across town, will you stick to your appointments every time? If distance matters, only look for doctors that have offices in your immediate area.
Family Health Care With a Reliable Doctor
A great family physician is someone you need to have in your corner, especially when raising a family. Fortunately, with just a little bit of time and research, you’ll have peace of mind in making the right choice. From there, you can enjoy having a doctor you can rely on at every turn.
