How to Choose the Right Primary Care Physician (8pg)

Choosing a personal physician is an important decision. After all, you want to find a person who gives you the care you deserve. You want to choose a doctor who inspires your confidence. Yet many people spend more time buying a car than thinking about who should be their physician. So look around. Ask questions. And keep the following recommendations in mind as you make your decision.

1) First, determine which kind of primary care physician will best serve the needs of you and your family. A Family Medicine physician sees patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. Pediatricians specialize in the care of all ages of children until they turn 18. An Internal Medicine physician usually sees patients ages 18 and older.
Some women prefer making an
OB/GYN their primary care provider.

2) Chemistry does matter. You want to choose a physician who makes you feel comfortable and who communicates clearly.

3) Location is another consideration. Having a doctor who is convenient to your home and workplace makes it more likely you will make and keep appointments.

4) Make sure the physician’s office accepts your medical insurance.

5) Take the time to ask questions. Does the physician have a good reputation? Is the staff friendly? Is the physician board-certified in his or her specialty? Do they have additional training in a sub-specialty that may be important to you? For example, if you are concerned about heart disease because there is a family history, you may want to choose a primary care physician who has a subspecialty in cardiology. If you are 65 or older, you may want your doctor to have a specialty in geriatrics.