Finding the right family doctor can be a trial. If you’ve just changed addresses or your previous doctor just retired, you can start your search by:
Asking around
Reach out to neighbors, coworkers or friends in the community and ask, says WebMD. Mine your new-found network for possible recommendations and referrals. You could also ask your former physician for a referral in your area. However, if none of these pan out, then…
Take your search online
Go online and look for a family doctor near you. These days, businesses are going online and doctors aren’t any different. So if you want to be thorough with your search, scour the net and look over sites. You’ll net a decent list of potential family physicians that way.
Schedule a visit
Finding the right family doctor can be a trial. If you’ve just changed addresses or your previous doctor just retired, you can start your search by:
Asking around
Reach out to neighbors, coworkers or friends in the community and ask, says WebMD. Mine your new-found network for possible recommendations and referrals. You could also ask your former physician for a referral in your area. However, if none of these pan out, then…
Take your search online
Go online and look for a family doctor near you. These days, businesses are going online and doctors aren’t any different. So if you want to be thorough with your search, scour the net and look over sites. You’ll net a decent list of potential family physicians that way.
Schedule a visit
The right credentials—including training and experience—have a way of looking good on paper. However, there’s nothing like a first-hand visit to help you determine if the doctor is really going to be a good fit for your family or not.
Pay attention to the details
Note the staff’s behavior when you schedule a visit. Are they rude on the phone? Does it seem like they’re rushing you along? Did they provide you with the right information and the details you need? And when you finally come for an appointment, observe how they treat you along with the other patients. Are they accommodating or abrupt? Are they well-trained or woefully lacking in training and know-how?
Trust your instincts
Lastly, during the consult, ask yourself: are you or your kids comfortable? Do you feel in any way that you’re being patronized or disrespected? Is there something off about the doctor? If you feel in any way uncomfortable, then don’t try to force it. Walk away. Find a doctor you and your family—especially your kids—are happy and at ease with.
With these tips, looking for the right physician should be that much simpler and easier for you.
The right credentials—including training and experience—have a way of looking good on paper. However, there’s nothing like a first-hand visit to help you determine if the doctor is really going to be a good fit for your family or not.
Pay attention to the details
Note the staff’s behavior when you schedule a visit. Are they rude on the phone? Does it seem like they’re rushing you along? Did they provide you with the right information and the details you need? And when you finally come for an appointment, observe how they treat you along with the other patients. Are they accommodating or abrupt? Are they well-trained or woefully lacking in training and know-how?
Trust your instincts
Lastly, during the consult, ask yourself: are you or your kids comfortable? Do you feel in any way that you’re being patronized or disrespected? Is there something off about the doctor? If you feel in any way uncomfortable, then don’t try to force it. Walk away. Find a doctor you and your family—especially your kids—are happy and at ease with.
With these tips, looking for the right physician should be that much simpler and easier for you.
