Good medical care does not happen by accident. It is important to have a doctor who knows you and your health problems. A personal physician, or primary care physician, can help you make medical decisions and can oversee the care you get from specialists.
Choosing a doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make. It's a decision that is probably best made while you are healthy and have some time to think about a number of possibilities. If you don't have a doctor or are thinking about changing doctors, now may be the best time to look for one. The following ideas can help you in your search for a doctor who is right for you.
What Should You Look for in a Doctor?
Many personal likes and dislikes are involved in choosing a doctor. In general, you want a doctor who is well trained and competent. You also want a doctor who cares about you, who will listen carefully to your concerns, who can explain things clearly and fully, and who can anticipate your health problems.
Other things that might affect your choice of a doctor include the type of health insurance you have, the location of the doctor's office, the hospital where the doctor treats patients, the age and sex of the doctor, and the languages the doctor speaks. A good first step is to make a list of the things that matter to you. Then, go back over your list and decide which are most important and which are nice, but not necessary.