How to Pick a Primary Health Care Physician

A primary health care physician can help you maintain good health, manage your care and even refer you to a specialist if necessary. Selecting your primary care doctor may be one of the most important health care decisions you'll ever make, so it's important to do your research and seek out guidance. Asking questions, soliciting advice and identifying what you need in a primary care physician are key steps to finding a great match.

Instructions

1. Make a list of all primary care doctors who are in your health plan. Call your insurance provider and request paperwork that lists the names and contact information of family health physicians covered. Depending on your health plan, your choices may be limited or broad, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). If you're uninsured and thinking about purchasing a health plan, it may be beneficial to research which physicians are covered in each individual plan, according to the AHRQ.

2. Make a list of what your needs are in a doctor. Everyone's list will be different, and ensure that your list describes everything from personality to location to wait time to paperwork requirements. For example, do you want a doctor who is straightforward and gives you information bluntly, or do you want a doctor who seems to sugar-coat information? Do you prefer humor in a physician? Whatever your preferences, according to Mount Auburn Hospital Health Connection, “It is more likely today, however, that people want to interact with their doctors and look at them as partners in maintaining health.”

3. Ask relatives, friends, and coworkers you trust for their recommendations. If you're new in town, you can ask your former primary doctor for a referral. Ask friends or family members specific questions about recommended physicians, such as, "Does the physician take her time with patients in the exam room?" "Is the doctor patient and does he provide thorough advice and explanations?" "How long is the wait before seeing the doctor?" and "Are the nurses and staff friendly and caring?" Other valid questions include, “Does the physician explain prescribed medications thoroughly?” or “How does the doctor or nurses communicate outside of office visits? By email or phone?” and “Do the nurses or doctor return phone calls quickly when you leave a message pertaining to a health situation?”

4. Schedule an appointment for an initial visit. This first visit may be the only way to get a real sense of your comfort level in terms of choosing a primary medical doctor. When scheduling, ask what days of the week and times the doctor sees patients. Also ask how far in advance patients typically need to schedule appointments. On the day of your initial visit, take mental notes on the experience. Look around the waiting room. Do the patients look comfortable or impatient? Are the staff members friendly and attentive? When it's your turn to go to the exam room, are you greeted by a friendly nurse? How long is your wait time in the exam room? Does the doctor give you his undivided attention or does he seem rushed? Does he take the time to patiently answer all of your questions, and is he thorough in his answers? This first interaction will help you determine if the physician is the right person to be your primary health care doctor.

References

• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Choosing a doctor
• Care First: Tips for choosing your primary care physician
• Mount Auburn Health Connection: Primary care physicians