Important Things to Consider Before Choosing a Doctor

Have you felt unsatisfied with your doctor’s visits lately? Have you decided that it is time to find a new doctor but don’t know where to start? Doctors are not one-size-fits-all, so finding the right doctor for you might seem like a challenge. Below we will explore some considerations for choosing a doctor so you can receive the best care possible.

Insurance

Insurance coverage is a significant factor to consider when choosing a doctor. Insurance companies have in-network and out-of-network affiliations with healthcare providers. In-network providers will have lower costs and more coverage. In contrast, out-of-network providers have reduced coverage and expenses that can be almost double an in-network provider. When choosing a doctor, you should highly consider finding an in-network provider so that you won’t have to break the bank to get the care you need.

Another aspect of insurance that you should consider when choosing a doctor is whether the insurance company requires you to have a referral from your primary care physician. For example, say you need to see a specialist; an insurance company might require you to obtain a referral from your primary care physician as proof of necessity. If you do not have a referral from your primary care physician, an insurance company may not cover any of your visits to a specialist.

Different doctors’ offices have different procedures when dealing with payment. For example, some offices may require you to pay up-front for your visit’s total or partial cost. Then the insurance company will reimburse you afterward. Other offices will not require up-front payments. If you are concerned about paying money up-front, make sure to check with the office before committing to a doctor. Knowing what the payment policy is for a doctor’s office is a significant consideration when choosing a doctor.

Location

Another thing you might want to consider when choosing a doctor is the location of the office. An office close to home or work is more desirable, especially if you tend to make frequent trips to the doctor.

A doctor’s office may also provide virtual services, which may align better with your situation and location. Virtual services can be helpful for short check-ins such as medication check-ups and frequent, small ailments.

Office hours are also a significant thing to consider when choosing the right doctor for you. Some doctors’ offices have extended hours that allow doctors to see patients after work hours and weekends. Considering times and locations of services can be crucial in deciding whether a doctor can serve you or not, especially if you live in a more rural area or have a hectic schedule.

Credentials

Assessing a doctor’s credentials should also be considered when choosing the right doctor for you. The doctor’s offices should disclose all credentials. If you have any questions about their schooling and experience, ask the office, and they will provide these for you.

As mentioned above, the experience of a doctor should be considered. Before choosing, you should decide whether you would prefer a doctor who has more recently graduated medical school or a doctor who has more practical experience in the field. Regardless of experience level, you should always ensure that your doctor is Board Certified. Board Certification means that your doctor knows to provide you with the very best care.

You may also want to consider whether a doctor is fluent in a specific language; this will allow more accessible communication for people whose first language may not be English. If a doctor does not know the language you speak, you should contact the office and inquire whether a nurse may help you during your appointment.

Gender

Although all doctors will professionally conduct their practices, personal preference of gender should be considered when choosing a doctor. You may feel more comfortable with a particular gender of doctor, and comfort level is essential when candid communication is required; you must consider this to ensure that you get the best care possible.

Online Resources

Some doctors’ offices have online resources available so that their patients can access important information from home. Many offices have begun to convert medical records, scheduling, and billing into an online portal. Often online services, such as virtual doctor’s visits and nurse hotlines, can be found on these online portals. Considering this online option when choosing a doctor is important, especially if you don’t have convenient access to the internet.

Ratings

Another thing to consider when choosing a doctor is ratings and reviews. You can find online ratings and reviews about patient satisfaction regarding specific doctors and doctors’ offices you are exploring. These resources can help you gauge the overall satisfaction that other people have experienced with one particular doctor. For example, a person may post a review regarding their personal experience at their appointment. Oftentimes these reviews can be very truthful and may address questions that you haven’t thought to ask.

Availability

After you have made a list of potential doctors, you should contact them for availability. Unfortunately, due to demand, some doctors are not taking new patients all the time. Therefore, it is important to contact offices that you may be interested in to ask them if they are accepting new patients.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many things you must consider when choosing a doctor. Like saving money through insurance, you can apply some of these considerations to most people looking for a doctor. Still, others are selected based on personal preference.

The first step to choosing the right doctor is to assess your expectations of what you need. After considering your needs, write a list of questions that you can ask during a consultation. This allows you to determine which doctor is the right fit for you before you commit.

Remember, you should contact a few different doctors to get a good idea of who might be the best fit for you. All doctors have different preferences. Finding a doctor whose preferences align with yours will ensure that you get the best care possible.

Dr. John Knight

Dr. Knight is a renowned hand, wrist and upper extremity surgeon with over 25 years of experience. Dr. Knight is a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellowship trained. Dr Knight has appeared on CNN, The Doctors TV, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur, Oxygen network and more.