Choosing Your Primary Care Doctor

After you compare health insurance plans and select a policy, you will probably have to choose a primary care doctor. Below you will find strategies on how to find the best doctor for you.

Step 1: Determining What You Want & Need

Determining your wants and needs vis-à-vis a physician is as important as doing so when you compare health insurance plans. Think about past providers you've had and what you did and didn't like about them. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What qualities do you value? Do you prefer a doctor who is brisk and efficient or attentive and nurturing? Think about how much you value a doctor's willingness to work with other professionals (e.g., alternative medicine specialists) and how collaborative you want the medical process to be.
• What kind of physician do you want? Some women and people with children prefer a family care doctor because they can have their gynecological, pediatric, and general medical needs addressed in one stop. For adults without children, though, you may want to consider an internist.
• What about gender and age? Are you more comfortable with a male or female provider or do you not have a preference? Keep in mind that the research indicates that female primary care docs tend to be more attentive; they're more likely to perform preventive care, refer to specialists, and schedule follow-up visits.

Step 2: Start Searching & Check Credentials

Blindly taking a name off of your insurance company's list of providers is not the best way to choose your primary care doctor. You want to put as much thought into this decision as when you compare health insurance plans. Try the following strategies:

• Get a "best of" list. Local magazines often publish a list of the best doctors in your area, and there are many books available that list the top docs in America.
• Ask for recommendations. Talk to your friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and whomever else seems satisfied with their doctor for recommendations.
• Do some sleuthing. Visit the site of your state medical board and make sure that the doctors on your short list are board certified.

Other Considerations

Don't forget these practical considerations when choosing your primary care physician:

• Location - try to choose a doc midway between your home and office
• Insurance coverage - is the doctor in-network or does he/she even take your insurance?
• Office hours - if you can't get away during business hours, you'll need a doctor with evening or weekend hours to accommodate your schedule