How To Choose A Primary Care Doctor

How do I choose a primary care doctor?

You choose a primary care doctor by gathering information from as many sources as you possibly can. Clearly, asking friends or relatives who have knowledge and experience about doctors in the community is important. If you're new to a city or a location, ask people, neighbors, your child's teacher, or members of the clergy. Also, the local pharmacist is a good source of identifying a primary care doctor. The idea is to talk to as many people as possible. Another source, often, is that hospitals have referral agencies for doctors that are affiliated with the hospital, and they're happy to provide you with a list of names. Your child's doctor, for example, might be able to make a referral for an adult physician for you. Once you identify these individuals, feel free to call and make an appointment to interview the physician and see if that physician is compatible with you. Come equipped and ready to ask a series of questions about what issues are important to you in your relationship with the doctor. I would suggest that if a physician is too busy to meet with you before you develop a relationship, that's probably not the right primary care doctor for you.