5 Tips for Choosing a Local Family Doctor

Did you know that over 100 million Americans lack a primary care doctor?

If you’re planning on changing your insurance, you may also want to change doctors. It can be tough to find a good doctor. Many people are unhappy with their doctors for a variety of different reasons.

But don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help you find the best doctor for you and your family. Check out what we think are the most important tips you need to know about choosing a local family doctor.

Ensure License and Credentials

Before scheduling an appointment, look for credentials such as medical degrees and board certifications. Verify any claims of certification that the doctor makes with local, or state licensing boards or the website of the certifying board.

Ask the doctor to provide a copy of their license. Make sure that the license is current and up to date, and shows no history of disciplinary action against the primary care physician.

If you want to know which doctor fits your child’s medical concerns, you need to know the difference between a pediatrician vs family doctor first before you choose the right one. Both physicians are highly specialized in caring wide range of illnesses.

Read Online Reviews

Reading online reviews is an increasingly popular way to research local family doctors. Reviews from unbiased sources such as Yelp or Google provide valuable customer insights.

It allows you to see the overall opinion of the clinic or the individual doctor. Reviews from trusted websites such as Healthgrades offer more comprehensive ratings and comments from actual patients on their providers’ bedside manners and overall care.

Ask for Referrals

When thinking of finding a primary care doctor, referrals are a great way to start. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues who they recommend or have had positive experiences with. Ask questions to assess if they have had positive experiences and if they are comfortable with the doctor.

Check if the Office Staff Is Friendly and Helpful

If you are considering a local family doctor, it is important to check if the office staff is friendly and helpful. Doctors and their staff can sometimes be under stressful situations with long wait times, but they should remain professional and courteous.

It is a good idea to make an appointment to observe their atmosphere in person before deciding. Ask yourself if the staff conveys a sense of warmth, respect, and professionalism.

Determine if Your Preferred Doctor Is In-Network

It is essential to determine if your preferred doctor is in-network with your current insurance provider. This will ensure you get the most value out of your health insurance.

Research health insurance policies to see which types of doctors and healthcare providers are covered, and contact the doctor’s office to ensure they are an in-network provider for your health plan. Make sure you understand which healthcare services are covered by the plan and how much you may need to spend out-of-pocket. 

Consider These Tips for Choosing a Local Family Doctor

Choosing a local family doctor is an important decision. It is best made by taking the time to ensure a license and credentials, read online reviews, and ask for referrals. It is also good to check if the office staff is friendly and helpful and determine if your preferred doctor is in-network.

Start today and ensure to receive the best medical care possible.