Your primary care physician is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your health. To prevent disease and promote wellness, doctors encourage their patients to schedule routine physicals once a year; however, if your provider does not put you at ease, or you are not impressed with the quality of care that he or she provides, you may not visit as often as you should. Since regular exams are essential for preventative health care, it is important to find a provider who you actually want to visit.

5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Primary Care Physician

1. Ask Around

If you have friends or family in the area, ask who they turn to for all their everyday health care needs. If they have had a good experience seeing a particular provider, chances are you will, too. You can also ask other providers, like your pharmacist, chiropractor, or dentist, who many of their patients see in the area.

2. Consider Bedside Manner

Every primary care physician has their own approach to bedside manner. Whether you prefer a doctor who remains professional and only ever discusses the matter at hand, or you want someone who is warm and personable, it is important to find someone whose approach puts you at ease.

3. Keep Convenience in Mind

If it’s hard for you to skip work, you will need to find a practice that is open on evenings or weekends. Location is another important factor to consider; if your new provider is fairly far away, you may not make appointments as often as you should.

4. Know Your Network

Once you find a few potential candidates, check your health care coverage to determine which ones are in your network. If you use traditional Medicare, you can also call the office directly and ask if they treat patients who have this coverage.

5. Take Note of the Little Things

If you have found a provider who meets all of your criteria, take note of the little things that indicate quality of care, starting with that first phone call. For example, was the receptionist happy to work around your schedule? And, how long did you have to sit in the waiting room before the doctor or nurse actually called you in for the exam?

If you’re looking for a compassionate and experienced primary care physician, turn to Moogerfeld Internal Medicine in Statesboro, GA. The team remains up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the medical field, and they are devoted to ensuring each patient lives their best life. Visit the practice online to learn more about the health care services they provide, or call (912) 681-7111 to make an appointment with your new primary care physician today.