Find A Family Physician Who Fits Your Family
By Lill - Freelance Writer - Article Added ( 03/05/2009 )
Are you faced with choosing a family physician or doctor of pediatrics for your youngest family members? Maybe you've moved or your doctor has relocated. Maybe you have a new health care plan or your doctor has retired.
Before you start your search, there are several questions that you should ask. Because your family physician or pediatrics doctor is likely to be part of your family's life for years, picking the first name you come to in the phone directory isn't a very good option.
Even consulting a friend isn't necessarily the best way to find a doctor, unless you're sure that you share your friend's likes and dislikes when it comes to medical care. A better way to find a doctor might be to check with your former doctor, an area hospital or your insurance company, which should have a list of doctors in your area.
One major question you should ask is whether you want a family physician who is a generalist or one with knowledge of a medical specialty. If you have a child with asthma, for instance, a doctor of pediatrics who is also a pediatric pulmonary specialist could save you from visits to other specialists when asthma flares.
Another important consideration is whether you prefer a male or female doctor, whether you need extended office hours and what charges are considered part of office visits and which are extra. Some family physicians and pediatrics practitioners include immunizations in well-child visits and some bill them separately. Distance is always a consideration also. There's nothing worse than a long ride with a sick child or family member who is in pain.
After you've narrowed your choice down, it's a good idea to make your first visit with your new doctor an interview. If you can schedule this visit before you're committed to the new practice, it's ideal. That way, if you find that there's a personality conflict or you or your child just don't warm up to the new physician, you won't have to deal with any paperwork to restart your search.
Most physicians and pediatric doctors are very happy to meet with you to discuss any concerns you have about your health or your future relationship with them. Take your time, do your research and make sure that the family physician you choose is a good fit for you and your future health needs.
Source: Self
About The Author: Lill Hawkins
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