Finding the right doctor is a lot like searching for your soulmate. We put ourselves out there and hope for the best, but more often than not, our expectations aren’t met and we have to do it all over again. At worst, individuals just completely give up searching for “the one” and settle for whoever’s available.
However, finding the right primary care physician is a relationship that you wouldn’t want to miss out on. Having a go-to person for a wide range of medical concerns and keeping track of your overall wellness is a necessary step in managing your medical care.
Your primary care physician is not just like any other doctor. They are the best partners that you can ask for – they get to know you and your history, they guide you and care for you, and they work with you towards your goals – all medically speaking, of course. Hence, it is important to have the right primary care physician that is suited for you and your needs.
To help you in making this decision, here are some quick tips in choosing the right doctor for you.
Figure out what you’re looking for
The first step to solving something is figuring out what needs solving. Assessing your needs will help you identify what qualities and qualifications are your standard in choosing the right doctor for you.
Don’t be shy to ask your doctor about their specific field of interest or specialties, this can narrow down your search and help you find out if your doctor can meet your needs.
Ask your friends and family if they can set you up
One of the easiest ways to find a primary care physician is talking to your friends and family about their current care provider. So, ask for recommendations!
Getting a reference from someone you trust can lead you to a great doctor. However, it is important to keep in mind that your needs may be different from your references, so make sure to get some insights first.
Look within your radius
Aside from their qualities and qualifications, you also have to consider other essential factors such as accessibility, affordability, and availability.
Accessibility – Is the doctor’s office close to where I live? Do they offer virtual consultations? How will I be able to access my medical records?
Affordability – Will I be able to afford consultations? Will this be covered by my health plan?
Availability – What are the doctor’s office hours? Will I have to skip work in order to get a consultation?
Taking these logistical factors into account can help you choose the right doctor for you and save you from a stressful healthcare experience.
Scout for a good communicator
Your primary care physician is your partner, and the key to a successful partnership is communication. Thus, it is critical that you choose a doctor to whom you can freely talk about your medical concerns.
Oftentimes, feeling uneasy or judged can cause patients to withhold necessary information from their doctors which can be quite detrimental to their treatment.
And since communication is a two-way street, it is also important that you find a primary care physician who arms you with necessary information regarding your care – this means explaining your condition clearly and informing you about the available courses of treatment.
Assess your first date
After your first appointment, make sure to assess how you felt about the consultation. Remember, your primary care physician will be your go-to person for your medical concerns, so if you leave the appointment feeling uneasy, unheard, or just overall dissatisfied, you may want to continue on with your search.
If you’re still searching for the right doctor for you, look no further because Eva Teleconsult has a wide selection of primary care physicians and specialists. Our EVA Doctors are well-vetted expert medical professionals who treat patients with expertise and compassion. Get the best care from the best doctors at EVA. You can learn more about our EVA Doctors by clicking this link.
