Our health is extremely important. This is why we should actively monitor it with the help of a family physician or doctor of medicine (MD). So the question is, how exactly do we find a doctor that’s right for us?
According to Dr. Colleen Conry, professors at the University of Colorado, doctors relate to each patient differently, and that we should hire a doctor not only for their professional credentials, but perhaps more importantly on how good our personal interaction with them are. Finding one that’s covered in our insurance is very important too.
A doctor will work very closely with you, which is why it’s important that you get one that you can trust and be comfortable with. You should consider the doctor’s gender, age, and level of experience. You should also know their background, particularly in regards to their training and certification. Note that there are groups and websites that provide important information about local doctors, including reviews from patients.
However, despite your research, Dr. Conry says, you still won’t be able to know for sure whether an MD will be good for you with a face-to-face meeting. When you do this, you should have a list of questions regarding your arrangement. Among the matters you should discuss are the doctor’s office hours, manner of practice, substitutes, coverage, emergency protocols and of course fees. You should also try to get recommendations from friends and family.
Lastly, put emphasis on clear and good communication. If you can’t communicate well with a doctor, then he or she won’t be able to treat you properly. Dr. Carolyn Clancy, director of the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, says, “Communication doesn’t just help health care: communication is health care.”
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