As a first-stop shop, primary care doctor is responsible for all your primary health care needs. From treating acute illnesses like infections and preventive care to managing chronic illnesses and vetting a specialist, your primary care doctor provides you with everything you need to improve and maintain your health.
That being said, choosing a doctor with whom you can have a good relationship and share your problems confidently is vital. But, with so many primary care doctors around, finding the right one can be challenging.
Here are some tips for choosing the right primary care doctor.
Tip #1 Consider Your Needs
Before choosing a primary care doctor, list all your healthcare needs. That can be the following:
- What are your healthcare problems?
- How many complex medical problems are you facing?
- What kind of medical and preventive care do you need?
- What kind of doctor do you need (pediatrician, internist, geriatrician, OB/GYN, family doctor)?
Tip#2 Ask People Around You
You can find the right primary care doctor by asking for recommendations from people around you, like your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues. They can share their experience and information about their PCP so that you can make an informed decision.
You can also have some referrals from health care professionals, such as pharmacists, optometrists, physical therapists, etc.
Note down all the recommendations and referrals and do some research to choose the right PCP.
Tip #3 Get Some Information About Your Insurance Coverage
Choosing a primary care doctor outside your insurance coverage can increase out-of-pocket costs. So, ask your insurance provider, who can provide you with a list of primary care doctors who come under your insurance plan. Do not choose a primary care provider who comes in your insurance coverage but does not offer quality care.
You can also search on your insurance provider’s website to see if the primary care providers recommended to you come under your plan or not.
Tip #4 Check Credentials
It is always better to check primary care doctors’ education, accreditation, and credibility so that you are confident in your decision. Also, check if your potential primary care provider is board certified by the relevant medical board.
Find out if the primary care provider has a history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions against him/her.
Tip #5 ReadAll the Patient Reviews
What is the behavior of staff and doctors towards patients? How do doctors practice medicine? Is getting an appointment at the practice easy? If you have all these questions, read patient reviews and testimonials.
However, do not rely completely on patient reviews;instead make a one-on-one appointment with the doctor and find the answer to your questions.
Tip #6 Schedule an In-Person Visit
During your appointment, notice the ease of appointment, the behavior of the staff, availability of services like diagnostic services, and doctors’ communication style. Choose a doctor with whom you are comfortable sharing your concerns and who considers you as a person, not a number.
Primary Care Provider in The Bronx, NY
If you are looking for highly experienced and compassionate primary care providers in the Bronx, NY, visit us at Starling Diagnostics. In addition to providing high-quality, affordable primary care, we offer preventive and diagnostic services. Our board-certified primary care doctors are committed to providing top-notch care for your unique needs so that you can enjoy your life to its fullest.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with our highly experienced primary care doctors, contact us at (718) 319- 1610 or fill out our online appointment request form.
