Annual wellness visits are the foundation of preventative medicine. Visiting your primary care provider (PCP) once a year will allow you to identify and treat any minor concerns before they turn into major problems. If you don't like your PCP, though, you may be inclined to skip these appointments. Because this could end up jeopardizing your health, you want to find a physician with whom you’re comfortable. If you need help narrowing down the options, look for someone who possesses the following qualities. 

3 Qualities to Look for in a Primary Care Provider 

1. Compassion

Does the provider take the time to address your concerns, even if they deviate from the reason for your visit? Or does the physician make you feel like just another patient on a busy day? While efficiency is necessary in a clinical setting, warmth, empathy, and compassion are also important, especially for patients who are facing potential health crises. 

2. Availability 

If the office has a six-month waiting list, it's wise to keep looking for a primary care physician. Unless you need to see a particular specialist, there’s no reason to wait for more than a couple of weeks for an appointment. In a big city, you should be able to find dozens of general practitioners who accept your insurance, and at least a handful of them will possess the qualities you want in a doctor. 

3. Passion

Is the physician still passionate about treating patients, or have they become jaded over the years? One of the easiest ways to see how dedicated a provider may be is by reading online reviews. Look up the practice before making an appointment to see what past patients have to say about the quality of care they received. 

If you’re looking for a primary care provider in Cincinnati, OH, who possesses these and other qualities, turn to Delhi Internal Medicine. Serving patients throughout the Tri-State area, this family-run practice is backed by more than 55 years of experience in the medical field. With a patient-centric approach to care, they treat individuals at all stages of life. To make an appointment, call (513) 347-3302, and then visit their website for your new patient paperwork.