Primary Care Provider: 4 Top Tips For Choosing The Best Primary Care Provider
According to data from the U.S. Department of Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAA), the number of primary care doctors in the country is set to steadily increase in the near future. This will provide people with a variety of options when choosing a primary care physician (PCP). It’s important to understand that finding a great PCP is no easy task. It entails finding a primary care provider that not only provides preventive care but also understands who you are and what is best for your personal medical situation and overall health and well-being.
No two PCPs are the same, so it is important to do your research and find a primary care provider that will fit with your health and personality and guide you down a healthy and sustainable path to wellness.
In this article, we will be going over some actionable steps you can take to increase your chances of finding a great match for your health needs.
- Think About the Type of Primary Care Provider You Are Looking For
Before you can begin your search for a new primary care provider, you need to determine what you’re looking for in a doctor. What standard of care are you aiming for? What types of health issues are you prone to? Does the doctor have experience with conditions you need help with?
All of these questions play a big role in the type of doctor that will be the best fit for your needs to create a smooth and beneficial relationship. There are many factors to consider, so it is important to think about all of the ones that are important to you when it comes to your health.
- Understand the Different Types of Primary Care Providers
Before being able to make an informed decision regarding your choice of primary care provider, you need to understand the different types that exist. There are a variety of providers that provide primary care services including:
- Family Practitioners – Family doctors specialize in providing treatment to families. These doctors are qualified to broadly diagnose and treat people of all ages, and the best primary care providers have a focus on long-term preventive care measures.
- Internists – One of the most common primary care physicians is a doctor who specializes in internal medicine. They are known as “internists” or an ”internal medicine physician.” After completing a residency in internal medicine and becoming board-eligible, internal medicine doctors are certified to care for adults at any age. Internists, compared to family practice providers, are focused on providing care to adults.
- Geriatrician – Similar to internists, geriatricians play a similar family care role but specialize in dealing with older patients. Many patients over the age of 60 require specific medical diagnosis and treatment from a geriatrician, so some may have both a PCP as well as a geriatrician.
- Pediatrician – Pediatricians focus on providing high-quality care to children. Once a child becomes a legal adult at 18, however, they can no longer receive care from a pediatrician; instead, they must switch to another PCP, such as an internist or family physician.
- Physician’s Assistant (PA) – While a PA is not a doctor, they serve an important role in many offices. If you regularly see a PCP in a busy area, you will likely be paired with a PA during your check-ups. A PA is trained in the same way that physicians are, and they help doctors to manage a large patient load, assist with collecting important details, and perform routine exams.
- Gynecologists – The last example of a provider who can function as a PCP is an OB/GYN. While gynecologists focus on issues dealing with women’s health, some OB/GYNs function as primary care providers and use referrals when necessary.
- Check with Your Health Insurance Provider
It is important to check your health insurance plan to see what PCPs are covered before making an appointment. Many insurance providers will have a comprehensive list of potential PCPs in your area to choose from.
- Schedule Appointment
One of the most practical ways of choosing the right primary care provider is to just Trust Your First Instincts. This final point is a big one! When you find a few options that you think may be a great fit, schedule an initial appointment to see if it may work for you. During this appointment, you will be able to ask some pertinent questions and get an idea if the relationship will be a good one for the long term.
When talking to the doctor, pay attention to their ability to listen, body language, and other cues to see if their approach to patient care is right for you.
If they are rushed, attempting to cut off the question, or if they speak in a negative tone, this could demonstrate that the provider is more focused on patient turnover rather than attentive, personalized care.
It is important to understand that finding a great PCP is an important process that you should not take lightly. A great PCP can help you to maintain good health and overall well-being, turn your health around and prevent medical issues that you may be at risk of developing. Therefore, we recommend going through each step in this list during your search for a new PCP.
What To Look For In A Primary Care Provider
When it comes to finding the right primary care doctor, it is important to both know what you’re looking for and to do some serious research. A primary care provider plays a very important role in your life, which makes it essential to find one who understands your personal health needs and takes the time to treat you as an individual. A primary care provider is here for their patients. You want someone who is a trusted friend as well as a reliable healthcare provider.
Role of A Primary Care Physician
For many people, primary care physicians are their lifeline when they experience medical issues. Primary care providers are often the first ones to see patients and learn about the health issues they are facing and the conditions they are most susceptible to.
The role of the primary care physician is to take an active role in the health of their patients, learning about their individual health factors, and developing both preventative and interventional care.
Over time, the primary care physician learns the nuances of your medical history, your health goals, your reaction to medications, your lifestyle, your treatment preferences, for managing your health. This intimate information is vital for your primary care doctor to have so that he or she can guide you towards the proper preventative measures and quickly treat problems when they occur.
How To Find The Right Primary Care Provider
There are a number of primary care doctors with different treatment philosophies and treatment plans. Here are our tips for finding the right one for your health needs:
- Do Your Research
One of the easiest first steps is to start doing some online research. Do a quick Google search for primary care doctors in your area to see the types of doctors that are available and what their patients are saying about them. This is a great way to get a feel for the different types of doctors and the relationships they have with their patients.
- Do A Quality Assurance Check
While this may be a part of your research phase, doing a deeper dive into the type of care a doctor provides can help you get a deeper sense of whether it is something you feel is a good fit for you.
Is the doctor you have in mind focused on preventing illness or treating it when it happens? Will they help you establish a healthier lifestyle based on your risks? Do they have a good bedside manner? These are relevant questions to find answers to as you come closer to making a decision.
- Ask Around
Another great tip is to ask your family and friends about their primary care providers to find out about recommendations of who they think might be a great fit for you. Recommendations from trusted sources are often the best way to go.
- Keep the Big Picture in Mind
During your first visit, it is important to make sure your doctor’s philosophy of care lines up with your own. Consider asking these questions: Why did the doctor decide to go into primary care? What is their favorite thing about being a primary care provider? How concerned are they with their patient’s health and how it affects their lives?
If your doctor’s outlook on patient care aligns nicely with your preferences, you will be more likely to follow his or her recommendations and get on the right track with your health. Take this information into consideration when deciding whether to stick with a doctor following your first appointment.
Overall, selecting a great primary care doctor hinges on finding one who is concerned with your individual health and well-being. While there are a lot of different treatment styles and bedside manners, having a doctor who is invested in your long-term health is the most valuable trait you can find in a great primary care physician.
Work With Advanced Health Solutions
If something seems off, trust your instincts and look for a new doctor who is a better fit for your primary care. You should be comfortable with whomever you choose; remember, this person will be an important advocate for your health and well-being in the years to come.
Advanced Health Solutions – GA Spine & Disc is a primary care practice that specializes in providing preventive care to our highly-valued patients. We have highly experienced doctors that have been providing patients with caring and personal primary care for over a decade. Our team prides itself on their personalized approach and integrity with each patient interaction.
Primary Care Provider
So, if you’re looking for an experienced, professional, and reliable primary care provider, look no further! We are here to help you achieve your short-term and long-term health goals and ultimately maintain great health and well-being.
Call us today at (770) 926-9495 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers.
