How to Find a Family Practice Doctor in Colorado

The Colorado Medical Society believes that "better informed people means better health care." If you live in Colorado and are searching for a family practice doctor, it's important to carefully investigate all of your options as well as a physician's qualifications. Use the following tips to research and select a family practice doctor in Colorado.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Contact the Colorado Medical Society 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. Consult the Colorado Board of Medical Examiners at [phone] to review the physician's license information. The organization provides information about a doctor's educational background, professional affiliations and any disciplinary measures or complaints that may have been filed.
4. Call 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. Observe 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. Determine 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.
• Colorado residents seeking low-cost or free health care may contact a number of clinics throughout the state, including the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless at [phone]; the People's Clinic at [phone]; and Valley Wide Health Services at [phone]. Residents may contact these offices to find out if there is a clinic in their immediate vicinity.