How to Choose a Family Physician

Family physicians are an important part of ensuring your family's health. These doctors deal with all kinds of illnesses and injuries for family members of all ages. In addition, some family practice doctors act as dermatologists, allergists, GI doctors and have knowledge in many other areas of medicine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Take your time to research and evaluate physicians. Don't be rushed when choosing, and make sure you choose a physician when you and your family are healthy, not sick.
2. Seek referrals from friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors and pharmacists.
3. Make sure that the doctor is accepting new patients. Name yourself in addition to other family members who would be seeing this physician.
4. Check the doctor's qualifications. Physicians have received additional training in a medical specialty in addition to passing a national board exam in order to be board certified.
5. Check with your health insurance provider if you are part of an HMO that only allows certain physicians' fees and services to be covered. If you are considering more than 1 physician, have your insurance company check both.
6. Schedule an interview to meet the doctor. You'll immediately sense the physician's demeanor, communication style and personality, and you'll have the opportunity to ask important questions about your care.

Tips & Warnings

• When visiting the physicians' offices, pay attention to details like cleanliness, convenience, courtesy of staff and waiting time. When contacting the office by phone, note if you have to wait long to reach someone, versus listening to prerecorded messages over and over.