Not all doctors are the same. While some physicians specialize in treating particular diseases, others practice family medicine. In essence, a family doctor is uniquely trained to care for a patient as a whole person, treating illnesses, providing routine health check-ups and counseling on lifestyle changes to prevent diseases.
A family doctor, also known as a primary care provider, takes care of the entire family as well. There is a very personal doctor-family relationship. As the relationship slowly builds up, the provider will really get to know his patients within a family, allowing him to help them make the right health care decisions.
Choosing a family doctor can be quite a challenge, though, given that family members often have very different age groups and different kinds of medical conditions. Here are some tips for families to find the right physician.
Ask for Referrals from Friends, Hospital and Pharmacists
Ask friends and relatives about their family doctors. The local hospital and pharmacists are good sources too. Get the physicians’ names and contact numbers. Then call up their offices for more information such as whether their clinics are accepting new patients, their office hours, availability of after-hours services, the hospital the doctor also practices in, payment policies and health insurance coverage.
Check Credentials of Doctors
Once there is list of names, check the credentials of each doctor to ensure he or she has the proper certification and has not faced any malpractice suits. The American Board of Family Medicine requires recertification by examination every six years. So the board is a good place to investigate doctors’ backgrounds. Certification checks can also be done by calling the local or state medical society.
Set up Initial Appointment with Physician
Schedule an appointment with the physician who meets the family’s needs. Talking and interacting with the doctor personally will give a good idea of his approach and attitude towards his patients and their well-being. A good primary care provider always puts his patient at ease, explains things in terms that are easily understood, answers all questions asked no matter how trivial they may seem and give the patient enough time to ask questions.
Don’t hesitate to ask about the physician’s background and area of specialty. While at the office, check the look and atmosphere there. How are patients greeted? Are the staff polite and responsive? Is there a kids’ corner with toys and books for families with young children? Take note of all these.
Special Medical Needs and Pediatric Care
Those with special medical needs should also check whether a family physician provides care for certain medical conditions. If there are young children in the family, check whether pediatric care is provided. Some providers only cater to patients aged 18 and above and therefore are not suitable for families with small children.
Choosing the right family doctor is crucial for the well-being of the family. Start by asking for referrals from friends and relatives. Then check the credentials of the doctors. After that, schedule an initial appointment and ask lots of relevant questions. If there are special medical needs or young children in the family, make sure the provider has the right expertise and facilities for those too.
Found this article useful? Read also Getting Children to See the Doctor, When to Take a Child to the Doctor and How to Give Children Medicines.
References:
Dr. Stoppard, Miriam. Family Health Guide. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2005
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