How to Choose a Primary Care Physician

Choosing the right Primary Care Physician (PCP) can be difficult. We all have a different idea of what makes a doctor/patient relationship a good one, so the first step is to determine what type of doctor we hope to find. Some like to keep the relationship strictly business. They prefer to go in for their office visit, be treated, and be on their way.

Others like a more personal approach by the physician. They want to get to know doctor and have him/her get to know them. This approach is the one that most people prefer. When the doctor knows us, and a little about what is going on in our lives, it can only enhance the care that we receive. Also, we are more comfortable about sharing information that will ultimately help the doctor assess the situation and make an accurate diagnosis. Communication is key, and if we are unwilling to share personal details, we make the job of the PCP much more difficult.

In addition to the matter of personality preference, there are other factors to be considered in choosing a PCP. We must feel comfortable with the doctor's staff, and be confident that the staff is not only competent, but also compassionate and caring.

Another matter to consider is insurance coverage. Not every doctor accepts every type of insurance. Therefore, we should verify that the PCP accepts our coverage before scheduling an appointment. It is also important to find out if the office staff will file the insurance claim or if the patient is expected to pay up-front and be reimbursed.

Also important to the doctor/patient relationship is that we not be afraid to ask questions. Understanding the diagnosis and treatment is our responsibility, and this cannot be accomplished if we are not comfortable enough with the PCP to ask questions.

Asking questions about the doctor's background and education is also a good idea. For example, we might want to ask where he/she attended medical school, where they performed their internship, how long they have been in practice, or whether they are board certified in their specialized field.

There are also office procedure questions to ask. For example, will appointments always be with the PCP or will some be with a Physician's Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. And, we will need to know which hospital the PCP uses and whether there is after hours coverage. If there is, how do we access after hours care.

It is most important that we are comfortable enough with the doctor to share very personal information. The PCP must be given all pertinent facts regarding our current and past health problems. Therefore, we must be willing to give complete, detailed information about past illnesses, surgeries, allergies, and chronic conditions. We must also provide an accurate list of all medications and dosing instructions and detailed information on any family history of chronic conditions, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. All of these factors help the PCP to make decisions regarding screening/preventive tests, diagnoses, and treatment.

Remember that this relationship is a two-way street. The physician, of course, has a responsibility to provide the best possible medical care, and we are responsible for providing him/her with the information necessary to provide that care.Nothing is as important as good health and good medical care. If we are not happy with the care we receive, it is our responsibility to tell the doctor and try to resolve the situation or to look for another PCP.