How to Find the Best Primary Care Doctor
Choosing a new doctor can be a challenge, especially if you have moved to a new community. Asking for recommendations from co-workers, neighbors, and friends is a good way to start, but you will have to decide which doctor is best suited to your needs and situation.
There are hundreds of specialist doctors in your area. You should know what kind of specialist do you need. For example, if you’re suffering from ongoing stomach pain, you might need to see a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive health) or a gynecologist (specialist in women's health).
It’s essential that you feel comfortable communicating with your doctor. Do you work well with a doctor who’s time-efficient or do you prefer one who carefully answers all of your questions if you’re feeling anxious? Would you prefer a male or female specialist, or someone who may speak a second language? Not all doctors are the right fit for every patient and compatibility is important to fostering a positive doctor-patient relationship.
check on a doctor’s certification status at www.certificationmatters.org, which is maintained by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS recognizes 37 specialties and 86 subspecialties. Also find out whether the doctor participates in continuing education to maintain expertise in his specialty, as most do.
Arrive prepared for the appointment. Take some time before the visit to write down all the questions you have, and bring a list of all medications you’re taking, your medical history and insurance information. Ask lots of questions and assess how the doctor responds to your concerns. Did the doctor listen to you? Did he or she answer your questions thoroughly? Did he or she make you feel comfortable?
Get a second opinion. If you have any reservations, see another doctor. As noted, there are many specialists out there. If you don’t find a good fit on the first try, keep searching.
There are hundreds of specialist doctors in your area. You should know what kind of specialist do you need. For example, if you’re suffering from ongoing stomach pain, you might need to see a gastroenterologist (specialist in digestive health) or a gynecologist (specialist in women's health).
It’s essential that you feel comfortable communicating with your doctor. Do you work well with a doctor who’s time-efficient or do you prefer one who carefully answers all of your questions if you’re feeling anxious? Would you prefer a male or female specialist, or someone who may speak a second language? Not all doctors are the right fit for every patient and compatibility is important to fostering a positive doctor-patient relationship.
check on a doctor’s certification status at www.certificationmatters.org, which is maintained by the American Board of Medical Specialties. The ABMS recognizes 37 specialties and 86 subspecialties. Also find out whether the doctor participates in continuing education to maintain expertise in his specialty, as most do.
Arrive prepared for the appointment. Take some time before the visit to write down all the questions you have, and bring a list of all medications you’re taking, your medical history and insurance information. Ask lots of questions and assess how the doctor responds to your concerns. Did the doctor listen to you? Did he or she answer your questions thoroughly? Did he or she make you feel comfortable?
Get a second opinion. If you have any reservations, see another doctor. As noted, there are many specialists out there. If you don’t find a good fit on the first try, keep searching.
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