Your choice of primary care doctor or primary care provider (PCP) is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your PCP is your ally when it comes to your health, acting as coordinator of your health care and advocating for your health goals, ultimately being a great asset in your life.
With so many primary care doctors to choose from in The Bronx, you have to do research to choose the right doctor for your primary care. Below are some factors you should consider when choosing a doctor.
Board Certification
Board certification is very important, as it shows the commitment of the primary care physician to excellence and knowledge of the latest advancements in their field. Board certification expires, and to maintain it, the physician has to undergo recertification and demonstrate their continued competence.
Experience
As generalists, primary care doctors have experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions, which can be treated at the primary level, but they may need to make a referral if they determine that you need specialized care.
Primary care doctors can treat a broad range of issues, including mild to moderate versions of the following:
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Digestive disorders
- Respiratory diseases
- Orthopedic injuries
- Balance problems and walking disorders
- Cardiovascular disease
- Infections
- Lipid disorders
- Sleep disorders
- Reproductive issues
- Urological issues
On-Site Screening and Diagnostic Tests
Medical imaging is an important part of health care. It is highly convenient for patients if the primary care doctor performs screening and diagnostic testing on-site, such as X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI, and more. This helps you get timely treatment for your condition.
Physician Office Hours and Availability
The last thing you want is to choose a primary care doctor that takes months to see you. To find out this information, place a call to the doctor’s clinic and ask if they are accepting new patients and how long it usually takes to get an appointment.
Insurance Coverage
It is going to be more affordable if you choose a primary care doctor that participates in your health insurance plan. Once you have a list of doctors, check which one of them accepts your insurance.
Bedside Manner
It is recommended that patients schedule a consultation with their potential primary care physician to assess their bedside manner. Does the doctor take time to listen to you and answer your questions? Does the doctor seem like someone you would like to be your partner in health? This is an important consideration when making a decision.
Primary Care Doctors in The Bronx, NY
The board-certified primary care physicians at Starling Diagnostics are currently accepting new primary care patients. We are committed to your health and convenience, offering a wide range of primary care services and practicing compassionate care, and have state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic tests available on site. We are also proud of our exceptional women’s specialty health services and offer mammograms and DEXA bone density scans.
To schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, call our office today at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient online form. Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you.
