How do you pick a doctor? Here are 5 tips
Choosing a primary care provider is one of the most important decisions you can make about your health. You need someone you trust, someone who listens, understands your unique needs and helps guide your care over time.
“Your primary care doctor should feel like a partner in your health — not just someone you see when you’re sick,” says Dr. Jeffrey Ording, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “The right doctor will listen without judgment, respect your goals and help you make informed choices.”
Dr. Reena Shah, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Health Care, says primary care providers will look out for your best interests and will find the best path for you.
“Think of your primary care doctor as the conductor of your health care orchestra who brings together preventive care, manages chronic conditions and coordinates with specialists when needed,” says Dr. Shah.
Here are five tips to keep in mind when choosing a new primary care provider:
1. Find someone who fits your needs
Consider what type of doctor best suits your health and lifestyle. Different medical specialties might approach your care from different perspectives:
- Family medicine: These physicians care for people of all ages, often offering services ranging from routine checkups to obstetric or minor surgical care.
- Internal medicine: Internists typically treat adults and focus on managing chronic conditions and overall preventive care.
- Pediatrics: Pediatricians specialize in caring for infants, children and teens.
- Geriatrics: Geriatricians provide care tailored to adults age 65 and older, often managing multiple health conditions and medications.
- Integrative medicine: These physicians combine conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies.
Physicians can have different titles, such as MD and DO. The differences are mostly in the process and philosophy of their training.
Advanced nurse practitioners and physician assistants are other clinicians that can provide primary care. They often practice collaboratively with a physician.
2. Ask for recommendations
Family, friends and colleagues can be great sources for recommendations. Also, check with your health insurance to confirm which doctors are in-network and accepting new patients. Keep in mind that coverage may differ from doctor to doctor.
3. Choose someone well-connected
A physician’s hospital affiliation can be an important factor — especially if you need specialized care, like heart or cancer treatment. Choosing a health care provider who is connected with a reputable health system ensures access to advanced care when needed. It also streamlines communication between your hospital care team and primary care doctor after a hospital visit.
4. Prioritize convenience
Look for a location that is close to your home or workplace to make it easier to keep up with appointments. Also, consider the office hours. Many practices offer evening and weekend availability and may have other providers available if your established doctor is unavailable.
Virtual primary care is also a great, convenient way to see the same doctor overtime without having to leave your house or workplace. These appointments allow you to build the same provider-patient relationship as you would in person.
5. Make sure you’re comfortable
Your relationship with your primary care doctor should be built on trust and communication. Consider their background and communication style. Can you speak openly with them? That connection is essential for quality, ongoing care
“This is someone you’ll see for everything from annual physicals to unexpected concerns,” says Dr. Ording. “It’s essential to feel comfortable asking questions and being honest about how you’re feeling.”
It’s important to put care and thought into the decision of who you choose to be your established primary care provider, says Dr. Shah. “You want to find someone you can build a lasting relationship with and grow old with.”
Does virtual primary care best fit your schedule? Find a provider near you: Illinois | Wisconsin
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About the Author
health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.
Finding a doctor that’s well connected to reputable hospital should be one of the deciding factors when looking for a new physician. Thanks for these tips.
I like your tip about choosing a primary care physician whose clinic is near my workplace or home to ensure I would make my regular appointments. My husband and I are looking for a primary care doctor that could take both of us. We want to find one who’s friendly and reliable, so thanks for the tips!
You overlooked Geriatrician, a doctor who specialises in care of the elderly and the diseases that affect them.
Also, a good point of reference for finding a new physician would be to ask a physician whom you have been presently happy with who they would refer themselves to or their family members, albeit to another specialty, i.e., gynecology, neurologist, gastrointestinal and so forth. I have found this to be the best source for finding a new doctor. Also, ask your doctor himself prior to his retirement whom he would refer within his own speciality!
How do you “stop in and meet a physician you’re considering” without scheduling an appointment to receive care? Should you expect to be billed for this meeting, which won’t be insurance reimbursable? Should you expect to wait several months for the next available appointment for this meeting, and then wait several more months for the next available new patient office visit appointment for care after that meeting?
Great points!
Sorry but it is my tendency to avoid all medical unless it is a dire necessity!