How to Find a Family Practice Doctor in Arizona

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, your health status is directly related to your lifestyle. Part of having a healthy lifestyle is making an informed decision about who will be your family's health care provider. If you live in Arizona and are searching for family practice doctor, use the following tips to find one who will keep your family in top shape.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Call the Arizona Medical Association at [phone] or visit their Web site for a list of family physicians in your area. You can also search listings on the American Academy of Family Physicians Web site.
2. Request recommendations from friends, neighbors and co-workers. Find out what they like about the physician and the office.
3. Research the physician's background by visiting the Arizona Board of Medical Examiners Web site or by calling [phone]. The organization provides information about a doctor's educational background, professional affiliations and any disciplinary measures or malpractice suits that may have been filed.
4. Contact the physician's office to schedule a consultation so you can meet and talk with the doctor. This meeting may be free (ask ahead of time), but be mindful of the physician's time.
5. Study the office during your visit. The physician's office should be clean, orderly and convenient to your home or office. The staff should be friendly and professional as well as considerate of your comfort and your time.
6. Decide whether the physician's personality and approach to health care is right for your family. You should feel comfortable communicating with the doctor and feel that he takes a genuine interest in your well-being.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider interviewing several physicians prior to making a selection.
• Verify that the doctor's office accepts your insurance plan.
• Arizona residents seeking low-cost or free health care may contact a number of quality health clinics, including Canyonlands Community Health Care at [phone]; the Maricopa Integrated Health System at [phone]; or the Marana Health Center at [phone].