Selecting a doctor is one of the most important health care decisions you can make for yourself. A physician is someone you can go to for all your basic medical needs, so it’s important to choose someone with the right education, experience, and skills. Consider a few key qualifications to help find the right doctor for you or your family.

How to Choose a Doctor

1. Figure out Which Doctors Are In-network

Depending on the type of health insurance you have, you may need to find a doctor who is in your insurance network. Those medical professionals or offices are contracted with your health insurance company to provide services at negotiated, discounted prices. By going to a physician who is in-network, you can save money on out-of-pocket health care expenses. Check your health insurance company’s website or call them to find in-network physicians.

2. Look at Education and Experience

Before selecting a doctor, find out where he or she attended medical school and completed residency and how long he or she has been a practicing physician. Also, if you have specific health needs, find out if the physician specializes in a particular field of medicine.

3. Consider Location and Hours

The doctor you go to should have an office that’s conveniently located. If your physician’s office is just 20 or 30 minutes away from your home or place of employment, it will be easier for you to get there. Additionally, make sure the doctor has office hours that work with your schedule. If you work late during the week, try to find a physician who offers weekend hours.

4. Consider the Doctor’s Communication Skills

Clear and effective communication is essential for a healthy doctor and patient relationship. When you go in for your initial visit with a physician, take notice of how he or she communicates with you. Does this doctor take the time to fully answer your health care questions, or does he or she dismiss them? Does the doctor seem truly interested in getting to know you as a patient, or does he or she just seem to be going through the motions? If you don’t feel completely comfortable speaking to him or her, it may be time to go to someone else.

If you’ve suffered an injury or are feeling ill, trust the doctors at Bayside Community Hospital in Anahuac, TX, with all of your health care needs. The hospital has been providing exceptional medical services, including diagnostic imaging, surgery, and nursing for more than 60 years, and its health care team treats every patient with compassion. They’ve received many awards throughout the years, including the “Award of Excellence in Healthcare Quality Improvement” from the Texas Medical Foundation in 2005. If you have questions about their services, call (409) 267-3143 or visit their website.