How to Choose a Family Doctor

There are many reasons why you might be looking for a new family doctor. Maybe you’ve moved to another city or perhaps your doctor is retiring. If you need a new doctor, here’s a quick guide for making a smart choice.

Naturally, you want a caring doctor interested in building a positive relationship with you and your family. Start by asking people you trust, like friends, neighbors and relatives, about the doctors they use and respect. Ask questions like:

• Do you know a good doctor?
• Would you recommend your doctor?
• What do you like about your doctor?
• How long does it take to get an appointment?
• Can you usually see your doctor right away if you get sick?

With two or three names in hand, you can begin contacting their offices. The office staff or website can provide information about the doctor’s education and training. Now is also a good time to ask about their policies, what insurance the office takes, if they file the insurance claims for you, what types of payment they accept and which hospital the doctor is affiliated with. Here are some suggested questions:

• Is the doctor part of a group practice? If so, you may want to find out who the other doctors are and their specialties.
• Who sees patients if the doctor is out of town or not available? If the doctor is not part of a group practice, you want to make sure that the doctor has a plan when he or she is not there.
• Can I get lab work or X-rays done in the office or nearby? You want to find out if you will need to go to another location for tests or if most lab tests are done in the doctor’s office.
• Is the doctor board certified (specialists in a field of medicine such as family practice, internal medicine or geriatrics)?

Finding a new family doctor doesn’t have to be painful. Contact the physicians at Riverview Health. You’ll be rewarded with someone you can trust and who cares about the health and well-being of your family.

Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Click here to request an appointment.

Sources: AAFP.com, NIA.NIH.gov