Can you trust your PCP? Is your doctor experienced, skilled, and available when you need them? Can they help you manage your chronic health conditions? Answers to these questions and more can help you find the primary care physician who is best for you. Here are seven tips which will help you determine, “Is there a great primary care doctor near me?”
1. Get a Referral from a Friend, Relative or Other Trusted Acquaintance
The best primary care doctors are those whose patients rave about them to friends and family. So, ask someone you trust which PCP they use, find out where the doctor practices, how available and personable they are, and if they treat your particular area of concern.
2. Ask Your Insurance Company if a Doctor Is In-Network
In order to avoid any surprises regarding out-of-pocket costs, copays or lack of coverage for particular services you need, call your insurance company and ask if a PCP you’re interested in is in your network. Alternatively, you can call the doctor’s office and ask if they accept your specific insurance plan.
3. Consider if the Medical Practice Convenient for You
If you anticipate going to the doctor after work, you’ll want to find a primary care doctor whose office is close to your place of work. On the other hand, if you anticipate going on a personal day, it would be more convenient if the doctor’s office is closer to your home. This is especially important if you take public transportation. Also, if you have mobility issues, find out if parking is adjacent to the practice, or exactly where the office is located within a larger medical center.
4. Ask if Lab Tests, Imaging and Other Special Assessments Available On-site
You want your primary care physician to provide you with a true medical home, or a “one stop shop” for all of your healthcare needs. So, it is important to call the physician’s office and ask if simple tests such as blood work, X-rays, strep and mono tests, and more are available within the practice itself, or if you have to go to another facility.
5. A Good PCP Not Only Diagnoses and Treats Conditions but Emphasizes Prevention, too
A primary care physician should diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of health problems, from acute to chronic illnesses. Beyond this important aspect care, a good primary care physician identifies lifestyle risks you should avoid, and provides annual examinations and screenings for life-threatening conditions like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, depression, addiction, and more. When a specialist is needed, a good PCP coordinates the referral and keeps abreast of the treatments you receive with the specialist. Check the practice website for services offered.
6. Explore the PCP’s Credentials
Read the prospective doctor’s biography on the practice website. Look for his or her education, including which medical school they attended, whether they completed their residency in internal medicine or family medicine, and whether or not they are board-certified. It is important that your PCP has ample experience treating a wide range of conditions so they can treat and help prevent any illnesses you may have or illnesses that you may be at risk for.
7. Book a Consultation to Get to Know The PCP
A consultation is your opportunity to interview the doctor and staff. Ask about appointment availability, including telehealth visits. Are you able to communicate with the doctor after hours? Are the treatment rooms clean and orderly? Is the staff welcoming and respectful of your time? Is the doctor friendly and willing to answer your questions? If you don’t get a good impression, try another practice.
Primary Care Doctor Near Me
At Starling Diagnostics, our state-of-the-art facility delivers a full range of primary care and diagnostic imaging services to people of all ages. We have four highly committed, board-certified physicians and one family nurse practitioner on-staff who specialize in gynecology, cardiology, internal medicine, sports medicine, and orthopedics. We’d love to meet you and become your medical home, providing any and all health services you need.
Call us today at (718) 319-1610 to arrange your personalized visit, or use our appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
