Whether you need a new doctor because you've moved, your primary care physician has retired, or you're unhappy with the care your current primary care physician is providing , there are a number of factors to consider when you're looking for a primary care physician. This guide to how to find a primary care physician will help you as you search for a new doctor.
Selecting a Primary Care Physician
This video features a doctor discussing what you need to consider when selecting a primary care physician. your primary care physician will coordinate your care, which includes coordinating any specialist medical care you need. Developing a good relationship with your primary care physician will help ensure you receive good medical care.
Introduction
A primary care physician, also known as a PCP, is the doctor who will coordinate your health care. Selecting a well qualified primary care physician with good communication skills will help ensure you receive good medical care. In order to make sure you find the right primary care doctor, you need to decide what you need from a primary care physician, get referrals from people you know and trust, and check out the primary care physicians' credentials and history.
Step 1: Determine What You Need from a Primary Care Physician
Before you begin to look for a doctor, make a list of what you're looking for in a doctor.
- Do you want a primary care physician that is a specialist in treat certain populations? A pediatrician, a geriatrician, a gynecologist, and internist can all be primary care physicians.
- Do you want the doctor to have experience in performing a certain procedure, or an interest in a specific area of practice?
- Do you have a specific health problem, or a family history of a health problem, that you would like the doctor to have experience in?
- What hospitals do you usually use?
- Does your health plan limit you to a select a primary care physician from a predefined list?
Step 2: Get Referrals for a Primary Care Physician
- The best place to start your search for a PCP is with people you know. Tell your friends and family what you're looking for in a doctor, and listen to their suggestions.
- Ask other health professionals, including other doctors you're seeing, for suggestions.
- Local hospitals can provide lists of primary care physicians who have privilege at their hospital who are accepting new patients.
- Use the American Medical Association member database to find primary care physicians in your area.http://www0.ama-assn.org/apps/captcha/verify.cgi?reason=nocookie&method=GET&url=http://webapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/home.jsp
Step 3: Research the Primary Care Physicians on Your Short List
- Is the doctor board certified in his or her specialty, such as pediatrics or internal medicine?
- Does he doctor have privileges at more than one hospital?
- Review the information posted on your state's medical board website to make sure the doctor is in good standing. Some states also list closed and pending malpractice lawsuits on their websites.
- Internet sites such as HealthGrade can be helpful in reviewing a primary care physician's credentials.http://www.healthgrades.com/
