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Choosing a family physician can be a feat in itself, especially when there are many household members with different age groups and preferences. Try and keep in mind that not all family physicians are right for everyone in your family. If you have small children, try and find one that offers pediatric care. Some family physicians will only see adult patients, over the age of 18.
The first place you might want to look would be your local phone book. If you cannot find one local to you, contact your local hospital and they can refer you to a physician that will handle your special needs. Call the office of the physician and ask what his qualifications are. This will help put your mind at ease and also help distinguish if he is the right physician for you or a family member.
If you have special medical needs, ask the physician if he specializes in that area. You don’t want to get to his office and find out that he doesn’t handle your specific problem. If he cannot help you with your special medical needs, you will need to find another physician who can help. You can also contact the American Medical Association and request a list of physicians in your area. Also check and see if there are any malpractice suits out against the doctor. Investigate your new physician carefully before making your final decision.
Asking the physician questions as to his medical background and expertise in the area for which he is qualified is usually well received by any physician. They prefer that you ask questions, the more you ask, the more comfortable you will feel having the physician you picked as your full time medical provider.
Another way to find the right physician for you is to ask one of your relatives or neighbors who they would recommend. Although, a physician that is right for one person, may not be right for another, you may actually find that you are pleased with their choice.
You will also want to make sure that the physician that you choose also practices at the hospital for your locality. Occassionally, when choosing a physician locally, the physician might not practice at that hospital. In case of emergency, you will find yourself traveling to a hospital many miles away, just to be seen by your physician. If this happens, you will be seen by the emergency room physician, who will notify your doctor of any medical services that were required. Having to see another physician in a time of emergency, will leave you or a family member scared and uncertain of his medical diagnosis, especially where children are concerned.
Children do not like to switch from their routine of seeing the same doctor, one that they can feel comfortable with. You will then have to wait for your physician to give his opinion of the medical attention you have received. This can be days, leaving you and your loved ones with anxiety and uncertainty.
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