Looking after your health and the health of your family is your number one priority. No one likes getting sick and all too often we push away the symptoms and try and forget about what’s going on because we don’t have the time or the inclination to deal with it.
But deal with it we must and in this blog we take a look at the three top things you’re looking for when you’re choosing your family medicine doctors.
Who You Are
You might be the kind of family who visits the doctor once in a blue moon. You’re rarely under the weather and you don’t have any on going health needs. If that’s the case, then you’re simply looking for convenience. Who’s surgery is nearest to you and are they taking on new patients?
If, however, you have an ongoing medical condition either for you or a member of your family, you’re looking at a doctor who specialises in your needs. You might need access to a diabetes centre for regular testing and health checks, or you may have ongoing mobility issues that you need to address with physiotherapy.
Whatever it is that you’re facing, find a clinic that addresses all your needs in one place, even if that’s not right on your doorstep.
How Comfortable You Feel
If you do see your doctor regularly you need to know that they’re going to listen and understand you. A doctor who looks annoyed, who’s short tempered or shows no interest in you will not inspire confidence and you may feel too intimidated to book an appointment.
If that does happen you have two choices, you can walk away and find another physician or you could talk to your clinic’s director and have them assign you another doctor, who you may get along with better.
Wait Times
It’s not something you might consider until you really need to see a doctor. It’s great to have yourself registered but if you’re struggling to get an appointment every time you need to, this may give you cause for concern. It’s less of a problem if you’re prepared to see another doctor in the clinic, who can find you space but if you feel more comfortable seeing your own doctor you may need to consider a switch.
Finding a family doctor shouldn’t be complicated but very often it becomes something of a mission. From checking that they take your insurance to knowing how long you’re likely to wait for an appointment, there are a few crucial factors to consider.
Start the process as soon as you can, particularly if you’ve moved across state and are starting again somewhere new. You never even think about visiting a doctor right up to that point you really need one. Find someone you’re comfortable with, with great communication and a clinic that has on site everything you need to successfully manage your ongoing health condition. That peace of mind, knowing your family is in safe hands, is worth the time and effort researching so start today.
