There are over 475,000 primary care physicians currently practicing in the United States.
With that many options, it can be a daunting task to find the perfect doctor for you and your family. But, there are a few steps that can simplify the process.
Keep reading for help on finding a primary care doctor that suits the needs of your family.
1. Ask for Recommendations
The first step in how to find a family doctor is to ask your family and friends for recommendations.
Start by asking those who are in similar situations as you. For example, if you have a large family, ask a fellow mother who she uses for family medicine. Or, if you know a family member who has a similar medical condition as you, ask who they trust for their care.
If you don’t feel comfortable talking about your specific medical needs with family or friends, don’t be afraid to search online. A simple Google search of “family physicians near me” should bring up local physicians and online reviews.
2. Make a List of Those Who Accept Your Insurance
When you’re trying to figure out how to pick a doctor, one of the number one things to consider is which doctors accept your insurance. Health care costs are rising and the last thing you want to do is pay for every doctor’s appointment out of pocket.
Finding out who is covered under your insurance is a fairly easy process. You can ask your insurance company for a list of providers in your area. Or, you can call up a potential doctor’s office and ask them directly if they accept your insurance.
Arrange all the physicians who accept your insurance in your order of preference. This ranking can be determined by location, specialties, or reviews.
3. Set up a New Patient Appointment
The last step in how to find a general doctor is to set up a new patient appointment with your top pick.
A new patient appointment is a chance for you to get to know your potential doctor and for the doctor to see if they can meet your needs. During this appointment, you can go over your health concerns and find out how your appointments will go in the future.
If you meet with a doctor and discover that you don’t feel comfortable with them or that they can’t meet your needs, move on to the next potential doctor on your list.
Finding a Primary Care Doctor Can Be Easy
Using these three tips, you can simplify the process of finding a primary care doctor.
Start by asking your family and friends for recommendations or browse through online reviews. Then, see which of the suggested doctors are covered under your insurance. Finally, set up a new patient appointment with your top pick to see if they are a good match.
Looking for more advice to keep your family healthy and happy? Browse the Health section of this site for all the best tips and tricks.
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