Whether you find yourself in a new area or need to switch doctors for any number of reasons, it isn't easy to find the right primary care doctor. Once you find someone you like, you'll want to stick with them for the foreseeable future, so the search to find a doctor should be as thorough and discerning as possible.

MediCenter has become the family doctor of choice for many residents in Kenai, AK, and their staff consists of specialists at the top of their respective fields. They know how tough it is to find a new home for primary care, so they have a few tips for anyone looking for the perfect practice:

Find A Doctor In Your Network

Begin with some research into your health plan and any doctors who are considered "in-network." Doing so will ensure you pay less out of pocket for each visit, and it should be easy to find a list of doctors your insurance company recommends. 

Start With Convenience

While it's worth going out of your way for someone that clicks with all your needs, convenience is key. For instance, think about how much of a factor their location will play in situations that call for taking time off work or, if possible, scheduling visits on the weekend. 

Narrow The Area Of Expertise

Do you have specific needs that your primary care doctor will need to take into account? Is it worth seeking out a specialist, or will any family doctor be able to handle your concerns? When narrowing your search, don't forget to look into each doctor's respective field of expertise. 

Request Referrals From Friends & Family

Friends and family members are a great source if you find yourself facing a difficult decision. Not only will you feel more comfortable following up on a specific recommendation, but you will also be able to ask questions about the doctor that general research doesn't cover.

Try A Face-To-Face Meeting

Once you have a doctor in mind, schedule a face-to-face meeting before committing to a long-term doctor-patient relationship. Check out the office, take note of the staff and their demeanor, and gauge your personal level of comfort throughout the visit. 

Follow these tips and you should have no problem lining up a new family doctor. When in doubt, go for the compassionate health care services available at MediCenter. Call them at (907) 283-9118 to speak to a staff member, and learn more about the practice online.