Selecting the right primary care physician is an important decision to make. After all, this practice is the one you’ll turn to when you’re feeling sick, have non-emergency injuries, or are experiencing any new and unfamiliar medical symptoms. It’s a good idea to put some careful consideration into your decision by asking your prospective candidates the following questions.

3 Questions for Selecting a Primary Care Physician

1. What Are the Doctor’s Credentials?

Any doctor you’re considering should be board-certified, which ensures they have the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to practice medicine.

You can also ask whether any doctors on staff have specialties in any areas, such as internal medicine. If they do, you may be able to expect services for conditions or chronic illnesses that extend beyond the scope of primary care, which could allow you to conveniently visit one practice for all of your health care needs.

2. Which Types of Insurance Are Accepted?

Many primary care providers accept a broad range of health insurance plans to ensure their patients can receive affordable care. If your doctor isn’t in-network, you could pay high out-of-pocket costs. Depending on your plan, however, in-network doctors may only require a small co-pay for sick visits, physicals, and other standard services.

Always double-check with your insurance provider and the doctor’s office to ensure the practitioner is in your health insurance’s network.

3. What Services Are Offered?

For the sake of convenience, seek out a doctor’s office that offers a broad range of services. From ordering blood work as needed and treating common illnesses to providing care for chronic conditions, look for comprehensive care in whichever practice you’re considering. Additionally, ask whether you can receive vaccines such as annual flu shots at the office.

If you’re seeking a trusted primary care physician in the Kailua-Kona, HI, area, turn to Kona-Kohala Health Care Services. Drs. Donald Nikaitani and Richard Pekala are board-certified physicians who use state-of-the-art equipment and leading practices to offer exceptional service to their patients. Schedule an appointment in their office by calling (808) 329-1346, or learn more about the doctors online.